The trend line for the total export of German lumber is increasing. Germany exported 610,000 m³ of softwood lumber in January (+18% compared to 2017). Europe (11 main importing countries) is the largest recipient of German lumber, receiving 60% of German lumber in January. The trend line for the export to Europe is increasing. The export to Europe increased by 11% to 365,000 m³ in January (compared to 2017). The trend line for the export to main non-European countries is increasing at a record high level. The export to main non-European countries increased by 55% to 239,000 m³ in January (compared to 2017).

The U.S. has increased the import of lumber from Germany lately. The trend line for the import is increasing clearly at the highest level since 2008. The U.S. imported a total of 170,000 m³ of German softwood lumber during January-February (+391% compared to 2017). The trend lines for German export of lumber to the Middle East, China and North Africa are increasing. The trend line for export to Southeast Asia (China and Japan excluded) levels off at a record high level for the region. The trend line for export to Japan decreases further.

If we look at the export that goes to non-European countries; the share to East Asia, the Middle East and North Africa has decreased slightly since the peak in early 2014. However, the share is increasing again since mid-2017. The share that goes to the U.S. is increasing rapidly.

The production of wooden boxes in Germany decreased in February (compared to previous month), but remains at a very high level.