France’s softwood market in 2025 is characterised by soaring log prices and a weakening softwood lumber sector, creating a sharp margin squeeze for sawmills. Softwood log prices have reached record levels, driven by tight supply, high domestic and export demand, and speculative buying. Limited timber mobilisation from small private forests, combined with environmental constraints and climate-related harvesting difficulties, has further tightened availability. Industry insiders report that the scarcity has benefited forest owners and timber traders, while increasing costs for processors. In contrast, softwood lumber prices are under pressure. Multiple sources indicate that standard sawn softwood prices ...