The global timber supply chain is showing contradictory signals that could reshape trade flows, pricing, and demand well into 2026.
What does this mean for sawmills, traders and importers? The answer is anything but straightforward. As Amir Rashad, CEO of Timber Exchange, remarked during Forecast Room #9, held on 28th August, “the sentiment of the market is pessimistic, but i beg to differ”
In this 60-minute live global market intelligence session, more than 400 indicators across 30+ markets were analyzed and enriched with anonymized peer sentiment, giving decision-makers what they need most today - clarity instead of guesswork.
Industry Concerns for 2025
According to the Timber Exchange Market Survey, the top concerns this year are-
- Freight rate instability
- Inventory volatility
- Price fluctuations
- Supply constraints
- Risks around demand forecasting and export flooding
Behind these metrics lies a battle for competitiveness - tariffs, trade shifts, and housing market slowdowns are forcing companies to rethink strategies faster than ever.
What You’re Not Hearing Everywhere Else?
Here’s the crucial part-
- Production is moving, not shrinking. Global volumes aren’t falling, but shifting geographies.
- Inventory drawdowns signal hidden demand. Stocks are falling faster than models predicted.
- Pricing doesn’t add up. Current log costs make little economic sense unless market corrections arrive soon.
But the real answers, the “why” and “how” behind these contradictions, require looking deeper at confidential trade flows, sentiment barometers, and on-the-ground data we cannot disclose outside the webinar.
Why This Matters Now?
For timber exporters, importers, and builders, the next 3–6 months could define profitability for years. A major sentiment shift is already visible in the Global Lumber Barometer of 100+ industry leaders, with expectations leaning toward price increases of 5–10%, or even higher in some regions.
The volatility means those who act first with the right intelligence will be in a position to set the pace rather than chase the curve.
In a Nutshell
This article only scratches the surface. Our premium Forecast Room webinars cover a wide range of topics, including:
- Which regions are hiding untapped opportunities
- Where procurement risks are likely to explode
- How tariffs are quietly redrawing competitive maps and much more
Forecast Room #9 has concluded, but our registered users get full access to recordings, data, and future sessions.
Be part of the community shaping tomorrow’s timber trade, because in today’s market, what you don’t know will hurt you.