German sawmills face ”existential threat” as log prices hit records

Germany’s sawmill sector is grappling with its most severe log shortage in decades, as supply constraints have pushed spruce and pine log prices to their highest levels since the late 1980s. With fresh timber becoming increasingly scarce, sawmills warn of production slowdowns, layoffs, and reduced output heading into 2026. According to data from regional forestry offices, spruce log prices have surged to around €130 per m³, up nearly 40% from the same period last year. The spike comes despite a sluggish construction market, where demand for finished lumber and wood-based panels remains subdued. The sharp divergence between ...