Updated July 13, 2026. Swedish roundwood prices moved in different directions during the third quarter of 2025: calculated harvesting-assignment prices fell for pine and spruce sawlogs but rose for coniferous and broadleaved pulpwood. Final 2025 data have since been released, and preliminary first-quarter 2026 figures show declines across all five national harvesting-assignment assortments.
Sweden roundwood prices in Q3 2025
| Assortment | Q3 2025 price | Change from Q2 |
|---|---|---|
| Scots pine sawlogs | 987 SEK/m³fub | −4% |
| Norway spruce sawlogs | 1,207 SEK/m³fub | −2% |
| Coniferous pulpwood | 654 SEK/m³fub | +2% |
| Broadleaved pulpwood | 651 SEK/m³fub | +4% |
| Fuelwood | 553 SEK/m³fub | Unchanged |
These figures were the Swedish Forest Agency’s preliminary national averages for harvesting assignments when first published in December 2025. The agency released revised final figures for all 2025 quarters in June 2026. Historical analysis should use the statistical database when exact final quarterly values are required.
What happened after the third quarter
In the fourth quarter of 2025, the preliminary series showed a modest reversal for harvesting assignments. Pine sawlogs rose 3% from Q3 to 1,015 SEK/m³fub, spruce sawlogs increased 2% to 1,231 SEK/m³fub, and both coniferous and broadleaved pulpwood rose 1%.
By the first quarter of 2026, the national averages had weakened. Pine sawlogs were 975 SEK/m³fub, spruce sawlogs 1,158 SEK/m³fub, coniferous pulpwood 615 SEK/m³fub, broadleaved pulpwood 599 SEK/m³fub and fuelwood 472 SEK/m³fub. This newer reading means the original Q3 divergence should not be presented as a continuing 2026 trend.
Final annual averages for 2025
| Harvesting-assignment assortment | Final 2025 average |
|---|---|
| Scots pine sawlogs | 991 SEK/m³fub |
| Norway spruce sawlogs | 1,195 SEK/m³fub |
| Coniferous pulpwood | 639 SEK/m³fub |
| Broadleaved pulpwood | 628 SEK/m³fub |
The Swedish Forest Agency says previously published 2025 preliminary figures were revised after new information was received. Revisions were slightly larger for individual quarters than for annual averages. Users should label downloaded figures with their extraction date and revision status.
What the reported price actually measures
A harvesting assignment is a sale in which harvesting is performed by, or on behalf of, the roundwood buyer. The calculated price is the forest owner’s roadside compensation after measurement at industry. Additions and deductions are included, but no deduction is made for transport to industry, harvesting costs or future regeneration costs.
The figures are volume-weighted national averages in current Swedish kronor and are not adjusted for inflation. They do not represent a live spot price during the quarter because companies report timber measured and calculated in the preceding period. Timber buyers and forest owners should therefore avoid treating the series as a real-time quotation.
Why sawlogs and pulpwood can diverge
Sawlogs and pulpwood serve different industrial chains. Sawlog demand is tied to sawmill utilisation, construction and export markets, while pulpwood feeds pulp, paper, board and some energy uses. Species requirements, mill catchment areas and inventory positions also differ.
A quarterly fall in sawlog prices alongside a pulpwood increase can therefore reflect separate supply-demand balances rather than a contradiction. The relationship may also change quickly, as shown by the fourth-quarter movements and the broader decline in early 2026. TimberInsider follows these connected but distinct markets through its timber-price hub and wood-market analysis.
Delivery timber is a separate sales form
Delivery timber refers to wood that the forest owner delivers to a roadside location, personally or through employees or contractors. Its prices should not be mixed with harvesting-assignment prices because responsibilities and cost structures differ.
For 2025, final national delivery-timber averages were 1,040 SEK/m³fub for pine sawlogs, 1,246 SEK/m³fub for spruce sawlogs, 698 SEK/m³fub for coniferous pulpwood and 673 SEK/m³fub for broadleaved pulpwood. The agency warns that comparisons with 2024 should be made cautiously because data collection changed in 2025.
A new statistical method began in 2025
Starting with the first quarter of 2025, the Swedish Forest Agency introduced a new survey covering more delivery forms and variables. Buyers report prices for wood measured and calculated during the previous quarter, broken down by sales form, assortment and four major regions.
Because the collection method, variables, measurement point and assortment content changed, the 2025 series is not fully comparable with older statistics. Long-run charts that join pre-2025 and post-2025 data without a visible methodological break may create a misleading trend.
How buyers should use the data
- Match the sales form: compare harvesting assignments with harvesting assignments, not delivery timber.
- Keep the unit: m³fub is solid cubic metres under bark; conversions require explicit assumptions.
- Check revision status: use final 2025 data where available and label 2026 values as preliminary.
- Account for geography: national averages can mask differences across Northern Norrland, Southern Norrland, Svealand and Götaland.
- Separate price from cost: harvesting, regeneration and transport economics require additional information.
For product-market context, see TimberInsider’s sawmilling coverage, wood-products guide and regional market hub.
Next official update
Statistics Sweden’s publication calendar lists the next roundwood-price release for August 25, 2026. Until then, the first-quarter 2026 figures remain the latest published quarterly values. Readers should consult the official database after each release because revisions can affect earlier observations.
Bottom line
Q3 2025 produced a genuine divergence: sawlog prices eased while pulpwood prices increased. Later data show that the pattern did not persist unchanged. Final annual averages are now available, and preliminary Q1 2026 prices declined across pine, spruce, both pulpwood groups and fuelwood. The series is valuable when sales form, unit, timing and the 2025 methodology break are stated clearly.
Sources and methodology
Q3 values and definitions come from the Swedish Forest Agency’s official third-quarter release. Revisions were checked against its final 2025 notice. Annual averages, Q1 2026 values and the method change are documented on the agency’s roundwood-price statistics page. The next publication date is from Statistics Sweden’s official product page. No currency conversion is applied.
