Austria: Softwood log prices fall sharply in May

Continued sluggish sales of sawn timber, sawn timber storage reaching capacity limits resulting into a reduction in sawing capacity lead to restrained demand for softwood logs in Austria. Weather-related restrictions and quotas delay the removal of roundwood from the forest. Prices have been lowered or are under pressure. New contracts are mostly concluded on a short-term basis. The demand for pine logs has come to a complete halt unless specifically ordered by the customer. Already produced quantities are redirected to industrial roundwood. Larch remains unchanged at its high level, with demand exceeding supply. Industrial roundwood  ...