The development of the Austrian economy is divided. While the services and private consumption sectors are having a slightly supportive effect, the construction industry and industrial production remain in recession. Improvements are not expected until 2025.

Stable sawn timber prices

Sales opportunities for softwood sawn timber are subdued, particularly due to the sharp decline in private house construction. The construction industry is only supported somewhat by large-volume functional construction. Accordingly, the Austrian sawmill industry currently has sufficient stocks of round sawn softwood. Timber harvesting activities are focussed on processing damaged timber and planned maintenance work. Prepared timber is being transported away quickly and existing forest stocks have been reduced. The storms and storms of recent weeks have resulted in additional quantities of damaged timber, particularly in Tyrol, which can be accommodated on the market. Prices are largely stable across a wide range and are between € 81 and € 105 for the leading spruce A/C 2b+ assortment throughout Austria. As in the previous month, demand for larch continues to exceed supply.

Balanced relationship between supply and demand 

The paper, pulp and board industry sites are very well stocked with industrial roundwood. The sale of sanding wood is hardly possible due to a lack of customers. Supply and demand for pulpwood are currently in balance. The locations continue to be able to absorb and the quantities provided are continuously being transported away. With the exception of Lower and Upper Austria, where prices have fallen, prices are stable. Across Austria, prices for spruce/fir pulpwood are between € 63 and € 98 per tonne atro. Demand for copper beech fibrewood is unchang.

High stocks of energy wood

The energy wood market is currently under pressure. It is hardly possible to market additional quantities outside of long-term contracts. The reason for this is the lower consumption in the previous heating season and therefore correspondingly high stock levels as well as an increased supply due to damaging events. In some cases, producers are building up additional dry storage facilities to relieve the market.

No all-clear for beetle infestation

Despite the rainfall, the all-clear cannot be given for bark beetle infestation due to the high temperatures. Even at over 1,000 metres above sea level, the second generation can be expected to appear in one to two weeks. Therefore, the greatest attention should be paid to forest hygiene. Infested trees should be removed immediately.

All prices quoted refer to business transactions in the period May - beginning of June 2024 and are net prices to which VAT is to be added. The following tax rates apply to timber sales to entrepreneurs
- 13 % for flat-rate VAT for all product ranges,
- for standard taxation, 13 % for energy wood/firewood and 20 % for round timber.

Austria Timber Market

Source: LK Austria