Europe’s lumber market tightens as demand recovers and supply constraints deepen by 2030

Europe remains one of the world’s largest softwood lumber producers, supplying about one-third of global output and roughly one-quarter of net exports—second only to Canada. Between 2000 and 2024, European production grew by an average of 0.4% per year. Although modest, this increase exceeded domestic demand growth, allowing exporters to build a stronger presence in overseas markets. With Russian and Canadian shipments expected to stay restricted, Europe’s position as a supplier—particularly to the US and markets in the Middle East and North Africa—is set to become even more significant. Forest policy and ...