11 May 2025
,France
The Deputy Minister of Climate and Environment, Mikołaj Dorożała, firmly assures that Polish timber companies have not felt the negative effects of restrictions on logging in the State Forests. He emphasizes that last year the prices of wood raw material even fell, which, according to him, testifies to the stable situation of the sector. However, these statements contrast with the alarming signals coming from the wood industry, which indicates the massive disappearance of local companies from the market. Industry representatives express fears of drastic price increases in the coming months.
The reality faced by the Polish timber industry is less optimistic. Industry representatives report problems with stable access to raw materials and fear that upcoming regulatory changes may further complicate the market situation. The disappearance of several hundred local companies from the market is a clear sign that something disturbing is happening in this industry. Small woodworking companies, facing increasing competition and changing market conditions, are often unable to cope with new regulations and rising operating costs.
Expected raw material price increases are particularly threatening to the stability of smaller companies, which do not have large financial reserves to cover sudden market fluctuations. An additional challenge may be the planned tightening of EU regulations on forest protection, which may restrict logging and impose an obligation to monitor the flow of wood raw material more closely. All this points to the need for an effective policy that takes into account the interests of both large and small companies.
In response to these challenges, Mikołaj Dorożała announced the development of a National Forest Strategy. This document is to be a key element of Poland's forest policy in the coming years and will define the most important objectives and directions of development of the forestry sector. The strategy is to take into account both national and international guidelines for forest resource management and consider changing geopolitical and climatic conditions.
The development of the National Forest Strategy is becoming not only a priority but a necessity in the face of dynamic regulatory changes at the European Union level. New regulations, which may require a more restrictive approach to tracking the flow of raw materials and protecting forests, will have a direct impact on the way the timber industry conducts its business. The strategy therefore aims to ensure predictability and stability for companies and the sustainable management of natural resources.
Supporting the development of the timber industry, protecting smaller companies and taking care of forest resources are challenges that will require not only close coordination at all levels of government, but also close cooperation with the private sector. Poland must not only adapt to the new EU regulations, but also create a policy that will actively support innovation and sustainable use of resources. This is the only way to ensure the sustainability and development of this strategic industry for the country.
