German timber trade expects uncertain business in the coming months

The first half of 2022 went very well for the German timber trade with a significant increase in sales of almost 10% (9.63). However, price effects play a key role in this increase in sales.

According to internal surveys of the German Timber Trade Federation (GD Holz), 9 out of 10 dealers state that the increase in sales is due to the price adjustments that have become necessary, only 10% attribute this to the change in sales volume. Wood-based materials, flooring and construction elements saw double-digit growth in the first half of the year, while planed goods and wood in the garden on the decline. In June 2022, sales fell by a good 7% compared to the same month last year. Planed goods, finishing products, wood in the garden and sawn timber ranges are in sharp decline. Price effects will also play an important role here.

For the autumn business, most German retailers expect sales to remain at about the same level or to decline. Declining sales are expected in the wood retail trade in particular.

According to many retailers, the second half of the year is likely to be more difficult. The order books are still full, existing orders and objects are being processed. Due to the trend that many construction projects are currently being withdrawn, the timber trade is also expecting somewhat uncertain business in the coming months.

The figures are based on the monthly GD Holz company comparison, in which an average of 50 companies of all sales size classes take part. Almost 90% of the participants’ sales are generated from wholesale, 8% from retail and 5% from online business.

The Gesamtverband Deutscher Holzhandel eV (GD Holz) is the cross-cooperative and representative branch association of the German timber trade with approx. 900 member companies.

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