Sweden's timber stocks saw a modest increase as of 30 September 2024, with volumes slightly higher compared to the same time last year, according to the Swedish Forest Agency’s stock survey. However, the current timber stocks remain below the five-year average, primarily driven by an increase in softwood sawlogs.

As of September 2024, Sweden's timber stocks totaled 7.5 million cubic meters, reflecting a 12% increase from September 2023. Despite the rise, they were still 5% below the average for the past five years. The growth in timber stocks was particularly noticeable in the following categories:

• Softwood sawlogs: 2.6 million cubic meters (+25%)
• Pulpwood: 4.1 million cubic meters (+6%)
• Pulp chips: 0.8 million cubic meters (+7%)

Stocks of softwood pulpwood (including spruce pulpwood) reached 3.3 million cubic meters, showing a 7% increase compared to the previous year, although still 11% lower than the five-year average.

Stocks of hardwood pulpwood remained steady at 0.8 million cubic meters, on par with September 2023, but 10% higher than the average for the last five years.

Regional trends and shifts in timber stocks

While the overall stock levels have increased, some regional discrepancies are noteworthy. The softwood sawlog stocks in balance area 3 reached record highs this autumn, marking the largest volume recorded for this time of year since the measurement began in 2013. This area, along with balance areas 1 and 3, played a significant role in driving up the total stock volumes compared to last year. However, it’s important to highlight that last autumn's softwood sawlog stocks in these regions were unusually low.

On the other hand, balance area 4 saw a marked decline in softwood sawlog stocks, which remain historically low, as was the case in the previous year. However, the same area reported a significant increase in pulpwood stocks, which are the highest seen at this time of year since 2019.

An interesting observation is the historically low stocks of hardwood pulpwood in timber balance area 2, reflecting a potential regional supply constraint.

Sweden's timber stocks are experiencing growth this autumn, driven mainly by softwood sawlogs. While stock volumes are higher than last year, they remain below the five-year average, with significant regional variations. These trends indicate a complex balance between supply and demand across the country's timber regions, which will continue to influence the Swedish timber market in the coming months.