Roundwood Prices for Sawlogs and Pulpwood in Sweden Increased in Q1 2024

Regionally, the greatest increase in pulpwood prices was in Södra Norrland and Götaland with an increase of 4 percent. The increase in Norra Norrland and Svealand amounted to 1 and almost 2 percent respectively.

April 23, 2024 - The Swedish Forest Agency reported roundwood prices on delivery timber increased for both sawlog and pulpwood during the first quarter of 2024 in comparison with the fourth quarter of 2023. The sawlog price increased by 8 percent and pulpwood by 3 percent.

Regionally, the greatest increase in sawlog prices was in Södra Norrland by 9 percent, followed by Svealand with 8 percent. In Götaland the sawlog prices increased by almost 6 percent while the price in Norra Norrland increased by 4 percent compared to the last quarter of 2023.

Regarding pulpwood prices, the greatest increase was in Södra Norrland and Götaland with an increase of 4 percent. The increase in Norra Norrland and Svealand amounted to 1 and almost 2 percent respectively.

Change for pulpwood from the first quarter of 2024

For pulpwood there is a change in relation to previously reported categories. As of the first quarter of 2024, prices on pulpwood is reported as Pulpwood of coniferous trees, Pulpwood of broadleaved trees and Total of pulpwood. This is a merge of the previously reported categories pulpwood of conifers and pulpwood of Norway Spruce and as well an expansion of the previous category Pulpwood of birch which now also include pulpwood of other broadleaved trees.

Furthermore, certain changes have been made regarding the underlying calculation. The changes have been implemented as part of improving the statistics on roundwood prices and affects the price by approximately 5 to 15 SEK per solid cubic meter under bark.

Correction of pulpwood prices has also been made regarding the first quarter of 2023 and for the entire year 2023.

Clarification

Delivery purchase is a method which means that the forest owner themselves, with or without the help of employees or contractors, delivers their wood to the roadside. Delivery purchases account for less than 10 percent of the total sold quantity.

Please note that the average prices are volume-weighted roundwood quantities. These prices refer to current prices, which do not take into account inflation.

The survey is part of Official Statistics of Sweden.

The Swedish Forest Agency is the national authority in charge of forest-related issues. Its main function is to promote the kind of management of Sweden's forests that enables the objectives of forest policy to be attained.

SOURCE: Swedish Forest Agency