Data released by the National Tax Administration (KAS) show a significant increase in Poland's timber exports in the first three quarters of 2024. During this period, 3.19 million cubic meters of raw timber were exported from the country. This is a continuation of the upward trend we have already seen in 2023.
A significant increase in timber exports was recorded not only within the European Union, but also outside of it. In 2024, as much as 649,000 cubic meters of timber went to non-EU markets. This amount is comparable to the previous year's total exports outside the EU, which amounted to 654 thousand cubic meters. Thus, in just nine months it managed to almost match the full-year result of the previous year, indicating an intensification of export activities in this direction.
Such data provide an interesting starting point for analysis, especially in the context of the government's official declarations on timber export policy.
First of all, it comes into obvious contradiction with the promises made by the Ministry of Climate and Environment. As part of the ruling coalition's program and strategy known as the "Five for the Timber Industry," a reduction in timber exports was announced. These declarations were aimed at increasing the availability of raw material for the domestic timber industry, which was supposed to support the development of the local economy and the woodworking industry.
However, despite the goodwill and potential, the effect of these measures remains invisible.
The lack of visible effects of the government's actions in the context of limiting timber exports raises questions about the effectiveness of the measures taken. On the one hand, the Ministry declares that "effective measures" are being taken, while on the other hand there is no tangible evidence of their actual effectiveness. It is therefore impossible not to wonder what specific steps have been taken and why they are not yielding the expected results.
It is therefore worth taking a closer look at both the strategies adopted at the ministry level and the technical and legislative aspects of implementing the timber export regulations. This is also a task for possible audits, which could clarify the reasons for the failures and indicate further steps that should be taken to change the situation.
Nevertheless, the outlook for the end of 2024 remains clear. If the current pace of exports continues in the fourth quarter as well, Poland is likely to end the year with another increase in the number of cubic meters of timber exported. This would mean a further divergence between official assumptions and declarations and market realities.
The situation therefore requires further monitoring and perhaps revision of the adopted policy. For the stable development of the domestic timber industry, it may be necessary to find a balance between the needs of the domestic market and the possibility of favorable exports of raw material abroad, especially in the context of global competition and changing economic conditions.
