Swedish log prices continue to rise in the third quarter
Timber prices have risen significantly in Sweden. The Swedish Forest Agency reports that prices for sawn and pulpwood increased significantly in the third quarter of 2023 compared to the second quarter of the same year.
The price of sawn timber increased by 8 per cent, while the price of pulpwood increased by almost 6 per cent. Regionally, sawlog prices rose most significantly in Svealand, up 11 per cent, followed by Jotland with a 7 per cent increase. However, sawn timber prices in Northern Norrland rose by only 1 per cent, while in Southern Norrland they fell by 1 per cent.
For pulpwood prices, Svealand and Jotland rose by 6 per cent, while South Norrland increased by 2 per cent. In contrast, prices in North Norrland remained unchanged.
Comparing these figures to the third quarter of 2022, the overall trend shows a continued increase in log prices. Sawnwood prices increased by 14 per cent, with Svealand leading the regions with a 16 per cent increase, followed by Jotland with a 14 per cent increase, and Sodra and Nora Norrland with 4 per cent and 8 per cent increases, respectively.
Compared to the third quarter of 2022, pulpwood prices rose by a whopping 37 per cent. Svealand had the highest increase of 46 per cent, followed by South and North Norrland, which rose by almost 39 per cent and 36 per cent, respectively. Pulpwood prices in Jotland have risen by 30 per cent.
The Swedish Forest Agency expects less deforestation in 2023. Total deforestation in Sweden in 2023 is estimated to be approximately 93 million cubic metres. The volume of standing timber has decreased by 3 million cubic metres compared to 2021 and by 2.8 million cubic metres compared to 2022.
