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Timber Exchange trade statistics November of 2023
2023 12 12
- In November, the State Forest Enterprise (SFE) announced 236 auctions. A total of 337.5 solid m3 of wood products were offered. Compared to October, the volume of timber offered increased by 28% and the volume of timber sold increased by 24%. The auctions were organised by 26 VMU units.
- The SPOT Wood Index recorded an index value of EUR 49.41/solid m3. The index value shows a decrease of 36% compared to the same period last year. Compared to the previous month, the index decreased by 2%.
- Significant price changes were recorded in November:
- In the sawn timber (D) assortment, the price increased by 12%, from EUR 60.95/solid m3 to EUR 68.00/solid m3.
- The price of the firewood (II, III class) and panel wood assortment decreased by 6%, from EUR 39.25/solid m3 to EUR 36.91/solid m3 .
BALTPOOL Timber Price (SPOT) Index
Trade in TOP timber assortments in ETTS short-term auctions
Trade in TOP assortments in ETTS short-term auctions
| Assortments | Quantity, solid m³ | Change in quantity per month | Quantity percentage in the scope of TOP 5 assortments | Price, Eur/solid m³ | Change in price per month | Change in price per year | |
| Baltpool Timber Spot index | Index | 142 974 | 8% | 29.7% | 52.74 | 4.8% | -35% |
| PJ (spruce, pine, birch); B/C; St,Vd; L2, L3 | 5 165 | 330% | 4% | 85.76 | -1% | -17% | |
| PJ (spruce, pine, birch); D; St,Vd; L2, L3 | 17 354 | 20% | 12.1% | 67.89 | 12% | -18% | |
| TR (deciduous, conifers) | 19 905 | 19% | 13.9% | 49.61 | -4% | -39% | |
| PP (spruce, pine, birch) | 22 755 | 46% | 16% | 48.12 | -3% | -50% | |
| PM, ML (class II and III calorific value) | 77 795 | 9% | 54% | 36.97 | -6% | -48% | |
| Felling residues, covered felling residues | 14 600 | 31% | 10% | 29.95 | -8% | -3% | |
Trade in regional units of the State Forest Enterprise in short-term auctions
Timber assortments sold at ETTS short-term auctions
Abbreviations:
KA – felling residues; KAD – covered felling residues; KAK – felling residues at cleared space; KL – hard leafy short timber; ML – firewood; PM – panel timber; PJ – sawn logs; PP – pulpwood; TR – packing logs; St – large-sized timber, small-end diameter ≥32 cm; Vd – medium-sized timber, small-end diameter 20-31 cm; Sm – small-sized timber, small-end diameter ≤19 cm; L1 – assortment length class, ≤2.9 m; L2 – assortment length class, 3.0 – 3.9 m; L3 – assortment length class, 4.0 – 6.0 m; L4 – assortment length class, 6.1 – 8.9 m.
Global timber market
The German timber industry is experiencing a profound decline, marked by a significant downturn in wood product sales. Sawmills are struggling to market their timber, necessitating a reduction in production. This challenging market scenario has impacted utilisation of timber, leading to a sharp decline in wood prices. This situation can be attributed to global trade disputes and the COVID-19 pandemic’s adverse effects on demand and construction activities, both of which have been exacerbated by rising prices in the timber industry. The current lacklustre sales and price fluctuations have resulted in job losses and operational hurdles, particularly for smaller sawmills. The industry’s future recovery remains uncertain amidst ongoing global economic and health challenges.
The ongoing conflict in Gaza has cast a shadow of uncertainty over Finland’s timber industry, particularly its pine timber exports to Israel. Major exporter Koskisen Oy has temporarily diverted shipments through Haifa port due to security concerns at Ashdod port. Despite the absence of immediate market disruptions, the outlook for forward sales through Israel remains uncertain. Industry experts, including Tommi Sneck, urge caution as the volatile situation could potentially disrupt supply chains and export activities.
The European wood pellet market is undergoing a period of profound transformation amidst the evolving energy landscape. The conflict in Ukraine and ensuing gas shortages have spurred demand for wood pellets as a residential heating fuel, resulting in a surge in pellet and raw material prices. As the world’s largest pellet market, Europe has navigated market fluctuations driven by energy price spikes, carbon emission allowance adjustments, and renewable energy policies. Despite these challenges, pellet demand is projected to rise, propelled by ambitious EU renewable energy targets. However, the potential decline in timber demand could restrict raw material availability, intensifying competition and necessitating the exploration of alternative feedstock sources.
Recent research published in a scientific journal by researchers from ANU, the University of Sheffield, and the University of Cambridge highlights the significant impact of wildfires on global timber production. Over the past two decades, wildfires have devastated vast areas of timber-producing forests, resulting in substantial economic losses. The research team analysed data from 2001 to 2021 and found that 18.5 to 24.7 million hectares of timber-producing forest, an area equivalent to the size of Great Britain, have been incinerated by wildfires across the globe in the last two decades. Heavily affected regions include Australia, the western United States, Canada, Siberian Russia, and Brazil. To mitigate future risks, experts recommend expanding timber production with less flammable tree species, redesigning plantations to reduce fire spread, and adopting innovative wildfire management technologies.