EOS: Europe’s softwood lumber production stable, but profitability under strain

Softwood lumber production in EOS member countries plus the UK peaked in 2021. From the second half of 2022, markets turned downward, and the past two years have been difficult across Europe. Sales prices declined sharply, so while production has fallen by 5–10% across EOS members, the drop in turnover was even steeper. After two consecutive years of decline, production increased slightly by 1% in 2024. Overseas markets remained subdued, with weak exports to major destinations, except for some stability in the North African region. Sawmills’ profitability was affected by persistently high energy prices, record-high raw ...