More softwood sawlogs in stock, but less pulpwood

Stocks of softwood sawlogs on 31 March 2024 were 10 percent higher compared to the same quarter last year, according to the Swedish Forest Agency's inventory survey. By contrast, stocks of pulpwood decreased by 7 percent.

Increase in roundwood prices

The roundwood prices on delivery timber increased for both sawlog and pulpwood during the first quarter of 2024 in comparison with the fourth quarter of 2023. The sawlog price increased by 8 percent and pulpwood by 3 percent.

Increase of delivered seedlings in 2023

In 2023, 431 million seedlings were delivered, which is an increase of 9 million (2 percent) compared to 2022. It is however 21 million seedlings less than the peak year 2021.

Notified area for felling for March decreased compared with March 2023

The latest statistics from the Swedish Forest Agency show that the area notified for felling in March decreased 13 percent, compared to March 2023. The area regarding applications for permits for final felling in montane forests decreased to barely one twelfth, compared to the same month last year.

Average area per holding were 34 hectares in 2023

New statistics from the Swedish Forest Agency show that the average area per holding owned by Swedish forest owners has increased from 30 hectares in 1999 to 34 hectares in 2023. The median has decreased from 13 to 11 hectares during the same period.

Increase in notifications for final felling in 2023

In 2023, the Swedish Forest Agency received notifications for final felling according to Section 14 of the Forestry Act, on 242,216 hectares of productive forest land. This is an increase of 6 percent compared to 2022. Despite the increase in 2023, the notified area was lower than the average for the last ten years.

Notified area for felling for February decreased compared with February 2023

The latest statistics from the Swedish Forest Agency show that the area notified for felling in February decreased 25 percent, compared to February 2023. The area regarding applications for permits for final felling in montane forests decreased to barely one seventh, compared to the same month last year.

Notified area for felling decreased in January

The latest statistics from the Swedish Forest Agency show that the area notified for felling in January decreased 21 percent, compared to January 2023. The area regarding applications for permits for final felling in montane forests however, increased by 20 percent, compared to the same month last year.

Timber stocks still low

Timber stocks on 31 December 2023 were 4 percent lower than at the same time last year and 15 percent lower than the average for the past five years, according to the Swedish Forest Agency's survey.

Sharp increase in infringement compensation

In 2023, the Swedish Forest Agency paid out almost SEK 309 million in infringement compensation to landowners for denied felling permission in montane forests. This is a sharp increase since 2020 when the first few compensation payment totalling SEK 3 million were paid out. At the same time, the low level of the Swedish Forest Agency's establishment of formally protected areas continued in 2023.