Softwood lumber exports from Sweden on an upward trend

In the first ten months of 2015, Sweden has exported about 10,7 million cubic meters of sawn and planed softwood lumber, according to Eurostat's latest statistics.

This represents a 17% increase over the same period of 2014. The main export markets for the Swedish lumber were the United Kingdom and Egypt, followed by Germany and Norway.

In particular, exports to Egypt dropped by -10% over the same period of last year, down to a volume of 1,09 million cbm. Exports to all other major destinations increased considerably. Shipments to the United States increased almost three times up to 210,860 cubic meters.

Overall, the increase in Swedish exports was supported by larger deliveries to Great Britain, Germany, China, Saudi Arabia and U.S. But even to Denmark, Algeria, Morocco and Belgium considerably more was exported.

Swedish lumber shipments to the EU countries have increased by 19% with over 5,7 million cubic meters delivered.

Despite the dowturn in Egypt, exports to North Africa rose by 2% to nearly 2,09 million cbm. More Swedish lumber was delivered to Algeria, Morocco and Tunisia.

Deliveries to Asia increased significantly, due to a boom in shipments to China (+23% higher as compared to the first ten months of 2014). Exports to Japan recovered well, despite the 2014 downward trend, and surged by 14%, up to 530,447 cbm.

Source: Eurostat; HS code: 440710