Point sur le marché du bois

Here we provide an update on the timber market situation as of the end of March 2026. We rely on observations made in 2024 and 2025, as well as on the information currently available to outline the main outlook for the year 2026.

General Context

The French timber market is evolving in a contrasting environment, characterized by historically low mobilized volumes. This contraction of supply reflects both increased caution among operators and still fragile outlets, particularly in the construction sector.

The macroeconomic environment remains uncertain, with a gradual recovery in Europe and international trade tensions that could influence flows.

In this context, the market remains structurally supported by a rarer resource. By 2025, the average index of standing timber prices, for all species combined, was established around 90 �?�/m³, confirming the overall good performance of the market.

Conifer Market

The conifer segment remains one of the main drivers of the market, with a generally well-oriented demand.

Douglas

The Douglas confirms its dominant position. Prices are now sustainably set between 95 and 100 �?�/m³, with a recent consolidated average around 97.85 �?�/m³. The tension on the available resource and sustained demand, particularly for export, continue to drive the market.

Spruce and Fir

The white conifers are in a firm market:

Common Spruce: around 55 to 60 �?�/m³;
Pectinate Fir: between 47 and 51 �?�/m³.

The decrease in available volumes, particularly following health episodes, contributes to maintaining prices.

Maritime Pine

In the Southwest, the market remains solid, with prices stabilized around 56 �?�/m³, at a high level.

Other Conifers

Larch Pine: about 40 �?�/m³;
Scots Pine: around 36 �?�/m³.

These species remain more dependent on local markets, but maintain regular outlets.

Hardwood Market

The hardwood market remains more contrasted, with a strong differentiation according to species, qualities, and uses.

Oak

The oak remains at historically high levels, generally between 150 and 230 �?�/m³. However, the market appears more selective. The stave segment is in decline, while high-quality woods continue to be well valued. On the other hand, secondary qualities are more difficult to place.

Ash

The ash benefits from very strong international demand. Prices are around 160 �?�/m³, with recent averages reaching 162.82 �?�/m³, in a context of resource scarcity.

Chestnut

The chestnut is positioned in a range between 70 and 110 �?�/m³, depending on qualities and outlets.

Poplar

The poplar confirms its positive dynamics, with average prices around 70 �?�/m³, supported by the needs in veneering and packaging. However, the evolution of some industrial players in the sector deserves close attention.

Beech

The beech is around 56 �?�/m³ on average, but can exceed 70 �?�/m³ for larger volume woods, reflecting better valuation of high qualities.

Black Locust

The black locust, or false acacia, is currently experiencing a resurgence of interest, particularly for the production of stakes. This upward trend is explained in part by regulatory changes affecting outdoor amenities and certain protective structures. The black locust is positioned around 18 �?� per stere

Industrial Wood and Wood Energy

These segments constitute a stable foundation of the market.

Wood energy remains particularly active, with sustained demand and firm prices, especially during the winter period.
Firewood also benefits from regular demand, with generally stable prices.
Chipping, both hardwood and softwood, remains well-oriented, driven by the panel, pulp, and pellet industries.

The evolution of several key industrial sites should nevertheless be closely monitored, as it may have direct effects on regional outlets.

Outlook for 2026

By 2026, several structuring trends emerge:

a gradual recovery of the market, linked to an expected improvement in the construction sector;
the maintenance of high price levels, supported by the tension on the resource;
increased selectivity, favorable to quality woods and easily exploitable lots;
a lasting pressure on supply, linked to health, climatic, and structural constraints;
a growing role of wood in ecological transition policies.

The conifers should continue to drive the market, while hardwoods will maintain more differentiated dynamics according to species, qualities, and uses.

Conclusion

The timber market approaches 2026 in a contrasting, but overall solid context.

The combination of a constrained supply, high price levels, and a structurally present demand continues to support the attractiveness of forest assets.

In this framework, well-located, accessible properties composed of sought-after species maintain a particularly favorable positioning. Their valuation remains closely linked to the quality of the stands, their maturity, and the conditions of exploitation.