Despite the gloomy economic outlook, the domestic sawmill industry's locations are receptive to the demand for round sawn timber. Demand, which picked up in October, is continuing, and Lower Austria, Styria and Tyrol have now also followed suit slightly in terms of prices. Timber harvesting activities are mostly limited to the processing of damaged timber. Assortments that have been made available are transported away quickly, as far as the forest roads allow. Prices for the leading assortment of spruce A/C 2b+ are between 93 and 110 euros throughout Austria. Demand for pine is also continuing to pick up, with prices also rising regionally. Despite the availability of Siberian larch, customers are increasingly demanding domestic timber. Accordingly, demand remains brisk and can hardly be met.

At the beginning of the hardwood season, demand for oak and ash in particular is very high. The price level for good qualities corresponds to that of the previous year, and slight price increases can also be observed regionally. Poorer qualities, on the other hand, are coming under increasing pressure. At the end of January, the Lower and Upper Austrian forest associations traditionally organise timber submissions. For potentially valuable logs, the forestry consultant or forestry assistant should be contacted before harvesting or moulding.

The paper, pulp and board industry is generally well stocked with coniferous industrial timber. Despite the calamity-related increase, supply and demand are balanced throughout Austria. Removal and acceptance are taking place continuously. Prices are stable compared to the previous month. Demand for beech fibrewood is also stable.

The energy wood market continues to be characterised by high stock levels. Marketing additional quantities outside of long-term contracts is therefore usually challenging. Pricing is based on the price of pulpwood. Demand for high-quality firewood is also still restrained at present, while dry quality goods are once again available in sufficient quantities.

Adapted takeover guidelines for industrial roundwood will come into force on 1 January 2025. 



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

Source: LK Austria