The 19th Auction of High-Value Timber took place recently, a noteworthy event for the forestry community. Organized by the Society of Forest Owners of the Mislinja Valley, the Association of Slovenian Forest Owners, and the Slovenian Forestry Institute, alongside Tiama Forestry, the auction unfolded in the Pameče industrial zone near Slovenj Gradec. The event is a staple in the forestry calendar, drawing participants from various corners of Europe.
Once again, this year's auction highlighted the robust international participation that it has become known for. Timber entries came from Slovenia and neighbouring countries such as Austria, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Serbia. The diversity in timber origin points to the event's significance in the region and underscores its role as a melting pot for forestry trade in Central and Eastern Europe.
One of the event's most remarkable highlights was the record-breaking sale of a walnut log from Bosnia and Herzegovina. This particular piece fetched over 16,500 euros, setting a new benchmark for price at the auction. This sale stood out in an otherwise moderate event, indicating the high value placed on select quality timbers by international buyers.
The auction, however, displayed a slightly reduced scale compared to previous years. A total of 611 owners participated, bringing 6,523 logs, totaling 6,958 cubic meters this year. This figure represents a decline from the previous year's 7,153 cubic meters, illustrating a slight reduction in the volume of timber presented. While the number of participants and total timber volume have slightly decreased, the presence of international buyers ensured a competitive bidding atmosphere.
Despite fewer logs and a reduced total timber volume, the auction managed to maintain an average log contribution per owner, with each participant supplying roughly 10.7 logs and a median volume of 1.07 cubic meters per log. This consistency in participant engagement illustrates the auction's ongoing appeal and the forest owners' commitment to the event.
Compared to the previous year, which saw 760 owners and over 23,000 bids from 56 buyers across 11 countries, the auction's scale remains impressive. The event continues to attract significant attention and presents a unique opportunity for both buyers and sellers to converge on a common platform. Such an extensive turnout from diverse geographic regions highlights the significant interest and demand for high-quality timber.
However, one cannot ignore the slightly diminished results of this year's auction, with the walnut log from Bosnia and Herzegovina being the notable exception. The overall lack of extraordinary outcomes suggests a period of stabilisation or even a cool-off within the high-value timber market. Although it's challenging to pinpoint specific reasons, fluctuations in market demand or production capacities could play a role.
Despite these factors, the 19th Auction of High-Value Timber remains a significant event on the forestry calendar. It reflects the ongoing interest and investment in high-quality timber and the international market's dynamic nature. The event serves as a testament to the health and vibrancy of the regional forestry industry, paving the way for future opportunities and collaborations across borders.
