FWPA update: Local sawn softwood sales volume

FWPA has produced a number of charts outlining the latest trends in softwood sales. More recent, and granular data, is available through the FWPA data dashboard.

In July 2024, monthly softwood sales were 241,879 m3 up 9.5% on the prior month. On the more stable year-end measure, sales for the 12 months were 2.723 million m3 which were down -2.6% on the previous period. 

We can drill down into the total sales by looking at the sales by product category. The FWPA softwood data series covers 8 product groups which represent an aggregation of the more detailed data submitted by softwood sawmills to the FWPA each month. 

Export lifts but from a low base

The biggest increase year-ending July 2024 was in exports which were up 36.7% to 71,878m3. This category can cover any product but generally includes sales of lower grade products or packaging materials. In addition, expansion of export sales can also reflect difficult local market conditions.

Another product category growing during the period was appearance grade, which was up 21.6% to 17,504m3 in year-ending July 2024.

Importantly the structural sales remain the biggest category by volume with sales of structural untreated up 3.5% to 705,793m3 compared to the previous period offset to some extent by a decline in structural treated which was down 3.4% to 651,927.

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Source & image credit: FWPA