In the first half of 2025, Canada exported 13.4 million m\u00b3 of softwood lumber to the United States. This remains by far the largest single trade flow worldwide, but volumes fell by just over 1 million m\u00b3, equivalent to an 8% decline compared to the same period of 2024.<\/p>\n
The second-largest flow, Russian exports to China, also contracted. Between January and June 2025, China imported 9.1 million m\u00b3 of Russian softwood lumber, down by nearly 900,000 m\u00b3 (\u20139%) year on year. Despite sanctions and logistical constraints, this route continues to account for a major share of global softwood trade.<\/p>\n
By contrast, European exports to the United States rose sharply. From January to June 2025, the EU shipped over 3.3 million m\u00b3, a 64% increase compared with the same period in 2024. Germany remained the largest supplier, delivering 1.67 million m\u00b3 (+57%), followed by Sweden with 1.04 million m\u00b3 (+86%) and Latvia at 170,000 m\u00b3 (+125%). Strong growth was also recorded by Austria (+53%), Finland (+77%), Romania (+44%), Estonia (+176%) and Belgium (+2,589%). Some suppliers, however, saw declines, including the Czech Republic (\u201329%) and Spain (\u201366%). In value terms, EU exports to the US reached an estimated \u20ac1.61 billion.<\/p>\n
The UK market, traditionally supplied by the Nordic countries, showed weaker demand. Between January and June, the UK imported 3.7 million m\u00b3 of softwood lumber from Scandinavia, marking a 7% decline. Sweden remained the main supplier with over 2 million m\u00b3, but its deliveries mirrored the overall downward trend.<\/p>\n
Flows from Canada to Asia were relatively stable but still slightly lower than last year. Exports to Japan amounted to 1.1 million m\u00b3, down by 4%, while shipments to South Korea fell by 6%.<\/p>\n
In the Middle East and North Africa, demand for European lumber cooled. Deliveries to Egypt dropped by 8%, while shipments to Algeria were almost unchanged, showing only a marginal decline.<\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
In the first half of 2025, Canada exported 13.4 million m\u00b3 of softwood lumber to the United States. This remains by far the largest single trade flow worldwide, but volumes fell by just over 1 million m\u00b3, equivalent to an … Continue reading