Due to the impact of both storm damage and the lifting of restrictions on the eight-toothed spruce bark beetle, a significant increase in sanitary felling is expected during the autumn season. Demand, meanwhile, at least at a global level, is tending to shrink further; therefore, on the whole, there is no reason to expect a significant price increase.
It is unlikely that we will see a repeat of the energy crises we experienced last year, which led to record energy wood prices around this time last year. The reason is the sufficient gas reserves.
It is said that pellet and firewood stocks in warehouses have decreased, which might lead to an increase in demand for this assortment, but I do not think it will significantly impact prices.
Statistical data: private forest owner transactions involving forest fellings in August
In August, 12 felling auctions were successfully concluded on the Meža Birža, with an average price increase of 25.56%.
Looking at the weighted average price per cubic metre for all auctions, it stood at €55.80 in August 2023. By comparison, the weighted average price per cubic metre was €47.33 in July 2023, while in June 2023 it was €40.02. The primary basis for these fluctuations is the proportion of conifers and birch, which was significantly higher in August than in July and June.
Felling prices by assortment groups:
Conifer felling prices (at least 70% conifer proportion) range from 46.95 to 73.51 €/m³, with a weighted average price of 62.31 €/m³.
Conifer/deciduous felling prices (conifer proportion 40-60%) range from 46.22 to 59.19 €/m³, with a weighted average price of 50.44 €/m³.
There was one birch felling auction (at least 70% Birch), where the price was 69.10 €/m³.
Mixed deciduous felling prices (birch, aspen, black alder) range from 33.92 to 41.83 €/m³, with a weighted average price of 38.26 €/m³.
As usual, there are individual fellings where high competition in August resulted in around 74 €/m³ for a conifer felling. This cannot be called a trend, but rather a positive combination of electronic auctions and competition.
Total liquid volume to be felled in August: 9097 m³, of which the largest portions are accounted for by E Spruce (2728.74 m³), P Pine (2311.1 m³) and B Birch (2017.45 m³).