Timber Price Indices (to September 2025) released

Forest Research has released the latest figures for the Coniferous Standing Sales Price Index, the Softwood Sawlog Price Index and the Small Roundwood Price Index for Great Britain.

These indices are used to monitor trends in timber prices and to provide information on the state of the UK timber industry. They are also used by the UK timber industry, alongside other economic indicators, in contract reviews.

The average price (in real terms) for coniferous standing sales in the year to September 2025 increased, compared to the price at September 2024. The average softwood sawlog prices and small roundwood prices (in real terms) in the six months to September 2025 both decreased compared to March 2025, with the decrease for softwood sawlog mostly due to spruces.

Each index is based on sales to 30 September 2025 and covers sales by Forestry England, Forestry and Land Scotland and Natural Resources Wales.

The findings show:

Coniferous Standing Sales Price Index

The Coniferous Standing Sales Price Index monitors changes in the average price received per cubic metre overbark for timber sold standing, where the purchaser is responsible for harvesting.

• The index was 0.5% lower in real terms (3.7% higher in nominal terms) in the year to September 2025 compared with the previous year.
• The average price for coniferous standing sales was £34.28 per cubic metre overbark standing in nominal terms in the year to September 2025, an increase from £33.77 in the year to September 2024.

Softwood Sawlog Price Index

The Softwood Sawlog Price Index monitors changes in the average price received per cubic metre of sawlogs (roundwood with a top diameter of 14 cm or more, likely to be sawn into planks or boards) sold at roadside.

• The Softwood Sawlog Price Index was 4.4% lower in real terms (0.4% lower in nominal terms) in the six months to September 2025, compared with the corresponding period in the previous year.
• The average price for softwood sawlog sales was £59.70 per cubic metre overbark in nominal terms in the six-month period to September 2025, a decrease from £77.55 in the six months to March 2025 and a decrease from £59.94 in the six months to September 2024.

Small Roundwood Price Index

The Small Roundwood Price Index monitors changes in the average price received per cubic metre for roundwood that is smaller in diameter than logs. This includes chipwood, pulpwood and woodfuel. It is based on sales at roadside and covers sales.

• The Small Roundwood Price Index was 15.9% lower in real terms (12.4% lower in nominal terms) in the six months to September 2025, compared with the corresponding period of the previous year.
• The average price for small roundwood sales was £44.55 per cubic metre overbark in nominal terms in the six-month period to September 2025, a decrease from £48.43 in the six months to March 2025 and a decrease from £50.83 in the six months to September 2024.

View Timber Price Indices