German timber prices surge in Q1 2025 amid strong US exports

Posted on March 28, 2025   |  

German timber prices surged in Q1 2025 due to strong exports to the USA and a potential construction boom driven by a new special fund.

Spruce sawlog prices rose in February and March, reaching €103 to €115 per cubic meter for quality B/C in strength class 2b+. Buyers offer bonuses for specific lengths.

Prices for beetle-damaged wood are €15 to €20 lower, while D-wood has a €25 to €35 discount. Overall, timber prices increased by €5 to €10 in Q1.

High-quality round timber remains scarce as damaged wood supplies are significantly lower than in previous years.

Strong exports to the USA have fueled demand and price increases, making them a key factor for future timber price trends in Germany and Europe.

While export opportunities help balance weak domestic-sawn timber sales, the struggling German construction sector has delayed price recovery.

A potential construction recovery is expected due to looser lending policies and lower interest rates, which could boost construction timber demand.

The sawmill industry still faces challenges selling large volumes of sawn timber in Germany and Europe.

In the USA, lumber prices exceeded $660 per thousand board feet in March, driven by supply shortages, strong demand, and rising tariffs.