The potential of European timber supply will affect the future trend of the international timber market

Europe's log and timber trade is set to change dramatically with the fall in timber production in central Europe and the suspension of timber imports from Russia.

The log market in Europe could be at an important turning point, with widespread deforestation in the region over the past four years due to outbreaks of the spruce bark beetle, leading to rapid logging, timber production and log exports in a short period of time increase. As timber harvests peak, timber exporters and consumers will need to adapt to a reduced supply of softwood lumber in Europe in the coming years. Wood production in the European region will decline from its current high output levels, and the region may once again shift from being a net exporter of logs to a net importer.