Glulam price graphic | 09/2019 | Glulam price in Germany and Italy, data in €/m³ (except bulk volumes, free delivery respecitvely post paid Northern Italy) red: Germany - €400 to 419 / m³ turquoise: Italy - €390 to 409 / m³ © Timber-Online
Slightly lower demand after the summer holidays and a strong price pressure on non-visible qualities characterized the situation in September. This situation carried by a very strong construction market in Germany and a "reasonable" demand level in Italy. The latter entails that the Apennine country will require around 550,000 m³ this year which would mean a slight increase. (Note: In the 00s, it was almost 900,000 m³/yr.)
It is not self-evident, however, that the general mood is predominantly satisfied. As of this year, traditional glulam suppliers in Germany have to share the market with at least three new suppliers: Asta Holz, Schmelter and Junginger. All three already have a customer base for laminated timber as well as experienced sales teams. In combination with other in-house products, this is what made their market entries beyond off-the-rack business possible. Also those who still had reserves in the form of new lines this year were able to launch them without disturbing the market. Here, as well, there was still enough.
A struggle for market shares was present in Northern Germany this year. Two large-scale productions with "new" owners and one family-run business in between were involved.
Glulam in visible quality was increasingly put under pressure because the price for lamellas in visible quality has been declining (€14/m³ since the beginning of the year). This led to a relatively stable, during the summer months slightly declining price development for the end product. The market for non-visible quality continued its downward trend due to the cheaper lamellas.
The prices for lamellas of visible quality solidified in September. In Germany, the September price for lamellas rose by about €3/m² to the new price level of €190 to 197/m³ fresh. This is about €17/m3 below the level of the Q3 of 2018. Lamellas in non-visible quality undercut this level by more than €30/m³; most recently, another drop by €5/m³ occurred. For 2020, glulam producers are optimistic: While for Italy, a sideways movement concerning the existing volume level is expected, the expectation for Germany is that the high level will be maintained.
