Austria Timber Market Report June 2025
[Jun 17, 2025]
Demand for round sawn timber was mostly good.
A decline in imports and high consumer spending by the federal government enabled the economy to grow slightly. In the construction industry, demand remains subdued and business expectations sceptical.
Round sawn timber
The Austrian sawmill industry’s sites are generally well stocked with spruce saw logs. Nevertheless, demand is usually brisk despite the current low supply. One exception is Tyrol, where a slight decline in demand has been observed. Assortments that have been made available are being transported away quickly and accepted swiftly. While prices fell slightly in Tyrol, they remained stable in Lower Austria, Salzburg and Styria. In Burgenland, Carinthia and Upper Austria, on the other hand, they increased slightly. Sales of pine are very difficult and are also subject to a high risk of quality loss due to weather conditions. Larch is maintaining its high price level and demand can hardly be met.
Industrial wood
The paper, pulp and board industry is very well stocked with industrial roundwood. Demand is usually in balance with supply. Removal and acceptance are taking place promptly, although there is still a certain backlog in the eastern damaged areas, partly due to below-average demand. Prices are stable and have been harmonised across Austria. Red beech fibrewood must still be viewed in a differentiated manner. While there is brisk demand in the south of Austria, there is a limited supply in the north. Prices are stable.
Energy wood
Customers on the energy wood market are still very well stocked and demand is de facto non-existent. Quantities outside of long-term contracts are therefore almost impossible to market. An upturn is not foreseeable, also in view of the time of year.
Even though the weather in May was favourable for the forest, the overall precipitation deficit this year is still very pronounced and individual stands are extremely susceptible to bark beetle infestation. These should therefore be checked regularly and infested trees removed from the forest as quickly as possible.
All prices quoted relate to transactions in the period May - early June 2025 and are net prices to which VAT must be added. The following tax rates apply to timber sales to entrepreneurs: 13% for all assortments in the case of flat-rate VAT, 13% for energy wood/firewood and 20% for round timber in the case of standard taxation. Subject to deviations and changes.
Source: LK Österreich