The European Sawlog Price Index (ESPI) has declined by almost seven percent in 18 months and in the 3Q/15, was at its lowest level in five years, according to the Wood Resource Quarterly. Since early 2014, sawlog prices in Europe have fallen faster than in most other lumber-producing countries around the world.

Sawlog prices in Europe were generally lower in 2012 than in 2011 because of lower log demand from the sawmilling sector, reports the Wood Resource Quarterly. Many sawmills on the continent have been forced to reduce production as a result of the weak lumber market. Log prices fell the most in the Nordic countries, while prices in Eastern Europe were steady or even slightly higher toward the end of 2012.

The Global Sawlog Price Index (GSPI) increased by 1.5 percent to US$83.52/m3 in the 4Q/12 after having declined for five consecutive quarters. This time marked the longest period of continuous decline since the Index was established in 1995, falling continuously from the all-time-high in the 2Q/11 through the 3Q/12.

Low fossil fuel prices have reduced the demand and prices of woody biomass throughout the U.S. the past three years, reports the North American Wood Fiber Review. The Pacific Northwest has the lowest biomass prices, slightly lower than the South, while the Northeast continues to have among the highest costs in the country.

Potlatch reported its 2011 second quarter financial results.