Last week’s auctions at the Ukrainian Energy Exchange for untreated timber showed the following results:
- The exhibited volume amounted to 32.83 thousand cubic meters;
- 11.7 thousand cubic meters of timber were sold;
- The cost of timber sales amounted to UAH 38.39 million (including VAT);
- Forestry enterprises received additional income during the English auction in the amount of UAH 3.3 million (including VAT).
Untreated timber was sold by forestry enterprises from 7 regions of Ukraine. The largest volume was sold in Khmelnytsky region.
The distribution of untreated timber sales was as follows: 62% - firewood, 38% - round timber.
Round timber
During the reporting period, the company sold 4.39 thousand cubic meters of round timber for a total of UAH 24.32 million (including VAT).
Pine, oak, and ash were the most commonly sold species, with their share in the total structure amounting to 51.76%, 23.03%, and 13.38%, respectively. We also sold such species as birch, sharp-leaved maple, alder, hornbeam and others.
Firewood
During the reporting period, sales of firewood amounted to 7.31 thousand cubic meters for UAH 14.07 million (including VAT).
The vast majority of firewood (78%) was sold for industrial use, while 22% was sold for non-industrial use.
Among firewood, beech was in the highest demand, accounting for 43% of total sales.
The chart below shows the structure of firewood sales by grade and species.
Price indices
Among the price indices for round timber, oak showed the highest growth, reaching a price of UAH 30,224.53 per cubic meter including VAT.
In turn, the maximum decline was observed for birch. The weighted average price index amounted to UAH 4,265.18 per cubic meter including VAT.
Weighted average price index for round timber, for April 14-18, 2025.
| Species | UAH/cubic meter (including VAT) |
|---|---|
| Silver birch | 4 265,18 |
| Forest beech | 3 342,82 |
| Black alder | 4 724,34 |
| Common oak | 30 224,53 |
| Common pine | 4 242,42 |
| European spruse | 2 801,76 |
| White fir | 2 960,81 |
| Common ash | 5 881,86 |
Price indices for firewood increased last week. The largest upward trend was reflected by wood for industrial use, which amounted to 2,050,85 UAH/cubic meter with VAT.
Overview of news on the timber market in Europe
Prices for coniferous logs in Finland reach record highs due to sharp increase in demand
This spring, the Finnish timber market is experiencing exceptional dynamics, especially for coniferous logs, with prices rising to historic levels. Industry experts attribute the high demand to a combination of seasonal factors, short winters and limited harvesting of winter crops.
According to Jari Jyli-Talonen, director of the Päijät-Häme Forest Management Association, prices for coniferous logs in clear-cutting are close to 90 euros per cubic meter, while in thinning they average about 80 euros. In some exceptional cases, especially on large plots available during the spring thaw, prices exceeded 90 euros per cubic meter, figures that were never seen in March-April. At the beginning of 2025, timber sales in the Pääät-Häme region were up about 30% year-on-year. Compared to two or three years ago, activity has almost doubled. Other regions report similar trends.
Beech exports from Germany surged in early 2025 due to slowdown in softwood trade
At the beginning of 2025, Germany’s timber export market will undergo structural changes: exports of beech logs have risen to their highest level in six years, while trade in softwood is showing signs of cooling.
Beech exports from Germany started the year well. Exports of beech wood reached 158,000 cubic meters in January and February 2025, up 20% from the same period in 2024 and the highest level recorded since 2019. A significant factor in this growth is the marked increase in demand in China. In addition, Vietnam has emerged as a new key destination, reflecting the growing interest of some Asian countries in high-quality European hardwoods.
French forest industry remains under pressure as construction sector weakens
In 2024, the French woodworking industry continues to face challenging conditions, with no short-term relief in sight. The national construction and renovation sector remains in deep recession, with the number of new buildings down 14% compared to 2023, a year already marked by a significant decline. This current contraction has significantly impacted domestic demand for timber, limiting market recovery across the supply chain.