Wood prices remain high

Apart from a minor dip in September, prices of imported wood remain extremely: nearly 30 percent higher than in December 2005. High import prices have also led to considerably higher prices for wood products manufactured in the Netherlands.

Rising demand for wood

Since December 2005, import prices of wood have risen dramatically, mainly due to the rising demand for wood on the global market. High oil prices have prompted the use of wood as biofuel. Although wood prices dropped in September 2007, they still remain extremely high.

Import prices of wood

Wood mainly imported from European countries

Two thirds of the total volume of wood imported into the Netherlands comes from Europe, mainly coniferous species from Sweden, Germany, Belgium and Finland. Wood is also imported on a large scale from Asia mainly hardwood species like meranti. Two thirds of wood imported from Asia comes from Malaysia, nearly one third from Indonesia.

Wood import regions, 2006

Dutch wood products also more expensive

Higher import prices also caused substantial price rises for wood products manufactured in the Netherlands. Wood packaging materials, like pallets and containers have become considerably more expensive. Most of these products are made of pine wood, imported from Scandinavia and Eastern Europe. In September, prices of imported wood used for the manufacture of packaging materials were 20 percent up on one year previously.

Price developments wood products, September 2007

Gerard Taal and Henk Verduin