In mid-September 2025, a specialized report on the softwood industry revealed significant regional variations in demand, with some markets experiencing declines while others remain robust. This is accompanied by rising costs for raw materials and transportation. Input costs such as fuel, labor, and wood shipping have tightened profit margins for producers, particularly in countries that import production inputs or rely on long-distance transport.
Meanwhile, the North American market shows signs of slowing, driven by a decline in residential construction, which reduces demand for structural lumber. In Europe, mounting pressures from forest protection regulations and stricter supply chain oversight may result in additional tariffs or restrictions on wood imports. Investors and wood industry players in major exporting countries are reevaluating their strategies in response to these fluctuations, especially for those dependent on precise balances between supply, demand, and international markets.