Analytics, Latvia, Markets and Companies, Woodwork

During this period of time compared to the 2^nd half of 2013 the average purchase prices of pine sawlogs increased on average by 7% or by 2-5 €/m3 without the VAT, in turn prices of spruce sawlogs increased on average by 4%.

Birch sawlog purchase prices in the 1^st half of 2014 compared to the 1^st half of 2013 grew on average by 8% or by 4 – 5 €/m³. Black alder sawlog sector witnessed a purchase price drop of about 7% or 2 – 4 €/m³ without the VAT. In turn, purchase price of asp sawlogs did not change and accounted for 38 – 44 €/m³ without the VAT.

In the 1^st half of 2014 as compared to the 2^nd half of 2013 an increase was recorded in birch veneer log prices. Purchase prices of category B veneer logs grew on average by 6% or by 3 €/m³without the VAT, while purchase prices of category A veneer logs – by 18% or 11 €/m³ without the VAT.

Average purchase prices of round timber by tree species and timber type, euros/m3 without VAT

Changes in round timber prices show that the situation in the market is comparatively favourable, and these changes are also indirectly related to the recovery of the construction sector after the rapid drop during the economic crisis in 2009 – 2010.

The rise in prices was partly affected by the unfavourable weather conditions in November, December last year and in the first half of January of this year. Harvesting was terminated in many places, resulting in drop in log and raw material reserves.

Purchase prices of coniferous tree sawlogs, euros/m3 without VAT

Data source: Central Statistical Bureau of Latvia

The average purchase price of deciduous tree veneer logs did not change and accounted for 36 €/m³ without the VAT. This is due to a temporary increase in supply, exceeding the demand, which was influenced by the dry summer and deciduous tree felling in wet areas.

Purchase prices of deciduous tree sawlogs, veneer logs and packing timber, euros/m3 without VAT

Data source: Central Statistical Bureau of Latvia

More information on round timber purchase prices is available in the CSB database section Forestry.