Germany’s timber market in 2026: high prices, tight supply and a fragile balance

Germany’s timber market entered 2026 under continued strain. Across almost all assortments—spruce and pine sawlogs, industrial roundwood, hardwoods and firewood—prices remain elevated, while available volumes are limited. The situation is currently structurally tight, shaped less by short-term shocks and more by a lasting change in supply conditions. Strong demand, limited supply Demand for roundwood remains high nationwide. Many sawmills report low inventories and depend on regular deliveries of fresh logs. At the same time, the volume of timber coming onto the market is significantly lower than during the years of the bark beetle crisis ...