Prices on The Southern and Western German Softwood Log Markets Stabilised

By the end of February 2012, prices on the southern and western German softwood log markets stabilised at the level they had reached at the beginning of the year; No further significant fluctuations have occurred in prices since then. In some regions the sawmilling industry succeeded in cutting back existing peaks in prices by € 2-3/m³; The cuts of up to € 10/m³ that the industry had initially had in mind were no longer viable. According to industry representatives, the price reductions now achieved have not brought processing companies any lasting relief, however; Spruce lumber prices are generally holding firm at a comparatively high level. On the basis of the preliminary contracts concluded to date, many of which have a term until the end of June 2012, forest owners are expecting largely steady softwood log prices until the middle of the year. Source: euwid-wood-products.com