Lumber Market Trends 2026: Prices, Supply & Outlook

The lumber market in early 2026 shows signs of stabilization after volatile years. Here's what buyers and suppliers need to know.

Current Price Landscape - Softwood (pine/spruce): Stable at 10,000-14,000 RUB/m3 for construction grades - Larch: Slight upward trend, now 18,000-22,000 RUB/m3 - Hardwoods (oak/birch): Premium segment growing, 25,000-45,000 RUB/m3 - Plywood: Supply normalizing, prices down 8% from Q3 2025

Key Trends 1. **Domestic demand steady** - Housing construction continues at strong pace 2. **Export market shifts** - New trade routes developing 3. **Sustainability focus** - Certified lumber gaining market share 4. **Digital marketplace growth** - Online lumber trading up 35% year-over-year

Regional Price Variations - Central Russia: Highest prices, strong demand - Siberia: Lowest production costs, but logistics add 20-30% - Ural region: Balanced supply and demand - Southern Russia: Import-dependent, prices 10-15% above average

Buyer Recommendations - Lock in prices for large projects now - stability may not last - Consider larch for exterior applications despite premium - Use marketplace platforms to compare across suppliers and regions - Factor in transportation costs - they can represent 15-30% of total cost