The rise in log prices in Germany is coming to a halt. For May, initial reports already point to declining prices for spruce and, more noticeably, for pine, as supply to the wood industry improves and inventories increase.<\/p>\n
At the transition into the second quarter, sawmills are described as consistently better supplied with logs. In many areas, the removal of harvested wood is no longer running smoothly, with delays becoming more frequent. Timber that has already been cut is in some cases remaining at roadside for longer periods, leading to the build-up of forest storage stocks.<\/p>\n
The price level for the key spruce assortment has been reported slightly lower compared with the first four months of 2026. According to forest owner associations, average prices for spruce sawlogs are currently between \u20ac123 and \u20ac133 per m\u00b3, with individual transactions increasingly being concluded at or near the lower end of this range. In some regions, price indications below \u20ac125 per m\u00b3 are already being reported.<\/p>\n
Forest owners indicate that, for the second quarter, the wood industry is at best maintaining prices at existing levels. In several cases, contracts are being extended without adjustments, while new agreements show a tendency toward weaker pricing. Procurement activity has slowed noticeably, reflecting the improved supply situation at mill level.<\/p>\n
Pine is already showing clearer signs of downward movement. For May, prices are being reported below previous levels, with transactions in many regions falling into a range of around \u20ac95 to \u20ac110 per m\u00b3. In weaker markets or for lower-quality assortments, prices are in some cases reported closer to \u20ac90 per m\u00b3.<\/p>\n
The situation is also affecting hardwood. Beech sawlogs are generally trading at \u20ac110 to \u20ac130 per m\u00b3, with stable to slightly weaker levels compared with earlier in the year. Oak continues to reach higher prices in selected qualities, typically between \u20ac180 and \u20ac260 per m\u00b3, although demand is selective and volumes are limited. Lower-grade hardwood assortments are increasingly under pressure, with prices easing where outlets are constrained.<\/p>\n
At the same time, sales of lumber are described as steady at best, providing little support for raw material prices. The market is not showing the momentum needed to absorb higher log costs.<\/p>\n
Rising costs for transport and logistics are also having an impact. Higher freight rates and operational expenses are feeding into procurement decisions, limiting the willingness of buyers to accept higher prices and contributing to the stabilisation of the market.<\/p>\n
Exports have slowed, with shipments affected by the Iran conflict. Exporters are purchasing less lumber, which is feeding back into reduced demand for logs. This is particularly visible in regions that are more exposed to export markets.<\/p>\n
In several regions, the combination of improved supply and slower offtake is already visible in growing forest inventories. Wood is remaining longer in storage before collection, and in some cases, forest owners report that planned deliveries are being postponed.<\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":98554,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"Default","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"inline_featured_image":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[5204],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-98552","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-daily-news"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\n