On January 16, the Swiss Wood Market Commission assessed the current situation after the storm Burglind and its impact on the timber market. In some cases, the affected forest owners suffered considerable damage and additional expenses. In general, demand for softwood logs in Switzerland is still good.
The good economic situation, a persistent timber construction boom coupled with the demand for Swiss timber, and the significant increase in the euro exchange rate make it easier for the Swiss forest and timber industry to cope with the storm damage.
According to the Swiss Federal Office for the Environment (Bafu), a volume of around 1.3 million m3 was felled by the Burglind storm, or about 25% of the average annual harvest. The damage is considerable but bearable due to the stable price structure and existing upgrade capacities. Furthermore, in the neighbouring countries the damaged storm volumes are relatively low, so no additional impact on the Swiss roundwood market is expected.
Price recommendation of the Swiss Wood Market Commission (HMK) at 16.01.2018:
CHF/m3 along forest roads |
16.10.2017 |
16.01.2018 |
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Swiss wood industry |
Swiss forests |
Swiss wood industry |
Swiss forests |
Spruce L1 2b B |
105 |
110 |
105 |
110 |
Spruce L1 4 B |
107 |
113 |
107 |
113 |
Spruce L1 3 C |
78 |
86 |
78 |
86 |
Spruce L1 5 C |
73 |
86 |
73 |
86 |
Spruce L3 3 B |
109 |
110 |
109 |
110 |
Spruce L3 3 C |
85 |
88 |
85 |
88 |
Fir |
10-13 |
10 |
10-13 |
10 |
Beech 4 B |
80 |
95 |
80 |
95 |
Beech 4 C |
60 |
75 |
60 |
75
|