The conclusion is clear. The first quarter of 2014 has just ended and tensions of wood purchases in France remain alive. In a large region of north-east France, the auctions registered record levels of timber trade volumes: 'Never seen in many years', as a buyer said.
From seven auctions organized by ONF (France's National Office of Forests), during February and March, six of them ended with an unsold rate of 1%. All species and all assortments have a very high demand. Prices continue to rise, particularly in oak and especially in small wood where annual increases are between 20% and 30% depending on the region and sales (see table below and Fordaq Auction Timber Results here).
'This increase is incomprehensible, because we can experience a lack of wood along the roadside. I thought the purchases were tensions ease at the beginning of the year. This is not the case and the log market, completely disconnected from the timber, may have serious consequences in the coming months.' Hervé Marsolat (Marsolat sawmill ) believes that if this situation continues, some mills will close for lack of wood, others could disappear due to lack of profitability. 'The year 2014 will bode ill, especially as the ONF announced marketing cuts!'
Oak price developments in France's Jura Region Public sales Courlaoux-39 forest In euros/m3; over bark; roadside |
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Volume | 15.03.12 | 11.12.13 | 13.03.14 | Change 11.12.13/13.03.14 |
1m3 | 48 | 78 | 108 | + 38% |
1,5 m3 | 81 | 115 | 134 | + 16,5% |
2 m3 | 108 | 140 | 152 | + 8,5% |
2,5 m3 | 126 | 159 | 166 | + 4,4% |
3 m3 | 141 | 176 | 177 | + 0,05% |
3,5 m3 | 156 | 189 | 187 | - 1% |
Source: Robert Wood pour Fordaq
Franche-Comté region; according to ONF | |||
Volume | March 2013 | March 2014 | Change 2013/2014 |
< to 1,5 m3 | 89 | 115 | + 29% |
1,5 to 2 m3 | 85 (1) | 130 | + 53% |
2 to 2,5 m3 | 114 | 140 | + 22,8% |
Average price | 96 | 129 | + 34,3% |
(1) confirmed results by ONF
Beech prices in Jura region In euros/m3; over bark; roadside |
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Dec 2012 | Mars 2013 | Dec 2013 | Mars 2014 | Change 03-2013/03-2014 | |
Average price | 53 | 52 | 60 | 59 | + 13,5% |
Source: ONF Franche-Comté