France: Higher Prices for Oak and Softwoods
French timber prices show a rebound this autumn, judging by the mid-October public auction results. For oak and softwood standing timber, as well as for pulpwood or firewood, sales are very active, with prices on an upward trend. However, the beech market lacks vitality and, as a result, a drop in average prices is noticeable even though overall volumes are slightly increasing.
The higher demand for wood is mainly justified by the strong building activity and translates to an increase in the number of offers, a drop of the unsold items and, consequently, to a marked progress of the sold volume compared to 2013 (+6,6%), National Forest Office reports.
Oak prices rose significantly from the previous year, by an average of 10% for large trees (>50 cm in diameter) of veneer quality and by 20% for average trees (30-45 cm), which are used, for example, in parquet manufacturing. The latter category is in high demand for export to the Asian market.
For an average volume between 1 and 2 m3, oak prices varied from 50 euros/m3 to around 90 euros/m3. Oak timber with an average volume between 2 and 3 m3 was sold for 130-150 euros/m3, while prices for oaks with an average volume higher than 3 m3 reached 170-190 euros/m3, according to auction results compiled by Fordaq.
Spruce prices rose up to 15% in Lorraine and remained unchanged in Franche-Comt©.
Scots pine benefited from the good orientation of softwood markets and its price went up by 5-10% depending on quality. The beech market continues to be depressed, with prices for average or low-quality timber dropping by 5-10%. However, top-quality beech remains in demand and its price is slightly increasing.
Prices for pulpwood or firewood are on a positive trend, gaining between 10 and 30% depending on the region.
PEFC certified timber attracts a growing interest, the number of offers being 20% higher on average than the number of offers for non-certified timber.
During 60 of the 77 auctions scheduled by the National Forest Office for the current season (September 6 - November 3), a volume of 2,787,000 m3 was sold for a total price of 98,868 euros. This season, the total volume of standing timber offered for sale from public forests amounts to 4,054,000 m3.
France: Price index for hardwood timber
Fordaq publishes the latest update of its French hardwood prices index. Prices for good quality oak timber are stable, while the hardwood parquet prices are going down. Orders are less numerous and the delay of clearance is longer. If for oak beams prices continue to remain stable, orders are more strict and very often large sections are added to the orders without any modification in prices; for the sleepers, the fall is visible and should be between 10 and 20 %.
Beech remains bearish and especially the products destined for Asia and Maghreb.
Ash is still in a quiet market, remaining relatively stable.
Cherry and maple prices keep going down.
Chestnut follows the same trend as the oak: good quality timber sells well, while the rest begins to fall.
The higher demand for wood is mainly justified by the strong building activity and translates to an increase in the number of offers, a drop of the unsold items and, consequently, to a marked progress of the sold volume compared to 2013 (+6,6%), National Forest Office reports.
Oak prices rose significantly from the previous year, by an average of 10% for large trees (>50 cm in diameter) of veneer quality and by 20% for average trees (30-45 cm), which are used, for example, in parquet manufacturing. The latter category is in high demand for export to the Asian market.
For an average volume between 1 and 2 m3, oak prices varied from 50 euros/m3 to around 90 euros/m3. Oak timber with an average volume between 2 and 3 m3 was sold for 130-150 euros/m3, while prices for oaks with an average volume higher than 3 m3 reached 170-190 euros/m3, according to auction results compiled by Fordaq.
Spruce prices rose up to 15% in Lorraine and remained unchanged in Franche-Comt©.
Scots pine benefited from the good orientation of softwood markets and its price went up by 5-10% depending on quality. The beech market continues to be depressed, with prices for average or low-quality timber dropping by 5-10%. However, top-quality beech remains in demand and its price is slightly increasing.
Prices for pulpwood or firewood are on a positive trend, gaining between 10 and 30% depending on the region.
PEFC certified timber attracts a growing interest, the number of offers being 20% higher on average than the number of offers for non-certified timber.
During 60 of the 77 auctions scheduled by the National Forest Office for the current season (September 6 - November 3), a volume of 2,787,000 m3 was sold for a total price of 98,868 euros. This season, the total volume of standing timber offered for sale from public forests amounts to 4,054,000 m3.
France: Price index for hardwood timber
Fordaq publishes the latest update of its French hardwood prices index. Prices for good quality oak timber are stable, while the hardwood parquet prices are going down. Orders are less numerous and the delay of clearance is longer. If for oak beams prices continue to remain stable, orders are more strict and very often large sections are added to the orders without any modification in prices; for the sleepers, the fall is visible and should be between 10 and 20 %.
Beech remains bearish and especially the products destined for Asia and Maghreb.
Ash is still in a quiet market, remaining relatively stable.
Cherry and maple prices keep going down.
Chestnut follows the same trend as the oak: good quality timber sells well, while the rest begins to fall.
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