Increasing adoption of softwood products in packaging industry is driving the market are driving the growth of the Softwood Market at a CAGR of 4.1% during the forecast period 2025 to 2035

Market Research Future (MRFR) has published a cooked research report on the “Global Softwood Market” that contains the information from 2019 to 2035.

The Global Softwood Market is expected to register a CAGR of 4.1 % during the forecast period of 2025 to 2035.

MRFR recognizes the following companies as the key players in the Global Softwood Market — Weyerhaeuser, Georgia-Pacific, Sierra Pacific Industries, Interfor Corporation, Canfor Corporation, West Fraser Timber, Tolko Industries, UPM, Kronospan, Metsä Group and others.

The Global Softwood Market accounted for registering a CAGR of 4.1 % during the forecast period and is estimated to reach USD 222.92 billion by 2035.

Rapid economic and urbanisation growth in both the Western and Asia region has spurred an unprecedented demand for softwood, igniting a surge in the global market. In Western regions like North America and Europe, burgeoning construction projects, fuelled by economic prosperity and population has fuelled the need for softwood lumbers in residential and commercial development. The versatile nature of softwood makes it a preferred material for various applications, including building components (e.g., windows, doors), furniture, medium-density fibreboard (MDF), paper, Christmas trees, and much more. 

Similarly, in Asian region, particularly emerging economics like India and China urbanisation has accelerated at an exponential rate, triggering a monumental appetite for softwood imports to meet the demand of infrastructure projects, real estate ventures, and manufacturing activities. As these nations continue ton urbanize and modernize their infrastructure, the demand for softwood products such as plywood, particleboard, and timber framing are expected to soar.

The interplay of economic growth, rapid urbanization and infrastructural development in both Western and Asian region has become the driving force behind the softwood market’s expansion in the global market.

Segmental Analysis

The Global Softwood Market has been segmented based on Type, by Form, by Resistance Capacity, By End-Use.

Based on Type, this segment includes Cedar, Douglas Fir, Pine, Spruce, Redwood, Others. The Pine segment dominated the global market in 2024, while the Redwood segment is projected to be the fastest–growing segment during the forecast period. A pine is any conifer tree or shrub in the genus pinus of the family Pinaceae. Pines are commonly found in the Northern Hemisphere and to a few parts from the tropics to temperate regions in the Southern Hemisphere. Most regions of the Northern Hemisphere host some native species of pine. Pine may also refer to the lumber derived from pine trees; it is one of the more extensively used types of lumber. Pine wood is perhaps the most used and known wood. It is due to several factors including its abundance, ease of work, and versatility and its cost. Delving into the world of Pine Wood, we encounter different types such as Eastern White Pine, Ponderosa Pine, and Southern Yellow Pine. Each type possesses unique characteristics, catering to diverse preferences.

Based on Form, this segment includes Plywood, Timber, Lumber, Veneer. The Lumber segment dominated the global market in 2024, while the Veneer segment is projected to be the fastest–growing segment during the forecast period. Lumber is used to describe processed wood products used for furniture making, home construction and the like. Lumber typically refers collectively to wood that’s been processed for use as a building material—wood that has been milled and cut into boards or planks. This cutting happens in a lumbermill, and the finished product is sold at a lumberyard. Lumber is processed into uniform and useful sizes (dimensional lumber), including beams and planks or boards. Lumber is mainly used for construction framing, as well as finishing (floors, wall panels, window frames). Lumber has many uses beyond home building. Lumber may be supplied either rough-sawn or surfaced on one or more of its faces. Rough lumber is the raw material for furniture-making, and manufacture of other items requiring cutting and shaping. It is available in many softwood species such as white pine and red pine, because of their low cost.

Based on Resistance Capacity, this segment includes Moisture Resistant, Fire Resistant, Termite Resistant, Chemical Resistant. The Moisture Resistant segment dominated the global market in 2024, while the Fire-Resistant segment is projected to be the fastest–growing segment during the forecast period. Softwood, in general, is not naturally resistant to moisture. They are susceptible to absorbing water, which can lead to swelling, warping, rotting, and other problems. However, there are some variations in moisture resistance between different softwood species and treatments that can improve their performance in humid environments. Softwoods generally have an equilibrium moisture content (EMC) of about 12% at a standard indoor climate with a temperature of 208°C and a relative humidity of 65%. The EMC of wood used outdoors is typically around 12–18%. The tensile strength of wood is greatest when the moisture content is between 6–12%.

Based on End-Use, this segment includes Walls, Roofs, Underlayment, Fencing, Furniture, Others. The Furniture segment dominated the global market in 2024, while the Fencing segment is projected to be the fastest–growing segment during the forecast period. Western red cedar is the most common type of cedar used in furniture. It's naturally resistant to roots and insects, making it a good choice for outdoor furniture, decks, and saunas. It has a warm reddish-brown color and a distinctive cedar scent. Eastern white cedar is similar to western red cedar, but lighter in color and not as durable. It's often used for lining drawers and closets due to its moth-repellent properties. Yellow cedar is more yellow in color than other cedars, and less commonly used in furniture due to its limited availability and higher cost. Douglas fir is the most commercially important fir species.

Regional Analysis

Geographically, the Global Softwood Market has been segmented into North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Middle East & Africa, South America.

Major demand factors driving the North America market are the rapid economic and urbanization growth in western and Asia region is driving the softwood market and increasing adoption of softwood products in packaging industry is driving the market. The North America softwood market comparing the US and Canada primary contributors, hold sustainable significance within the global lumber industry. Its vitality stems from its close ties to residential construction, where softwood lumber finds extensive use. Fluctuations in housing starts, renovation projects and broader economic condition profoundly influence demand. Moreover, the intricate web of international trade relationships, particularly the historically significant US-Canda lumber trade, shapes market dynamics. Trade dispute and tariff negotiation between these two nations can significantly impact the flow of softwood lumber across borders, adding another level of complexity. Supply side factor, including forest management practices., timber harvest levels, and regulatory frameworks, further influence market trends, Technological advancements and innovation in forestry techniques and lumber processing play a crucial role in enhancing efficiency and competitiveness within the market.

The European softwood market encompasses a wide range of countries with varying degrees of forest resources, industrial capacity, and market demand. About 38% of European softwood lumber exports are from sawmills in the Nordic countries, down from a peak of 45% in 2016. In 2022, the total volume from the sub-region reached increased 5% from the previous year. However, the Ukraine war had a drastic impact on the Europe region, factors like inflation increased In 2021 imports of sawn softwood from Russia, Ukraine and Belarus made up about 8-9% of European sawn wood consumption (8 million m3). The Nordic countries produced a record-high amount of softwood lumber in 2021.

The Asia-Pacific region is expected to see sustainable growth in the softwood lumber market. This is due to the region's rapid growth in construction and furniture manufacturing, which increases product consumption. The rapid economic growth of China has made the Asia Pacific region a growing priority for timberland investors in recent years.  Both Australia and New Zealand are significant producers of softwood timber, largely radiata pine. With over 100 years of experience in establishing and managing softwood plantations, the region has a solid track record of silviculture, genetics, and technical capacity. Both countries operate open economies and have been seen as preferred, low-risk regions for timberland investors seeking to diversify outside the United States. 

The Middle East and Africa play significant roles in the global softwood market. In the Middle East region in 2021, Saudi Arabia exported $1.62 million worth of coniferous softwood lumber that is less than 6 millimeters thick. In February 2023, Saudi Arabia imported 73,000 cubic meters of softwood lumber from North America and Europe. Whereas in the Africa region, 96% of industrial softwood plantations in Africa are located in east Africa. Kenya and Madagascar contain about half of the established plantations.

South America has undergone significant changes in recent years, changes naturally led by its largest forest producer, Brazil. Brazil's main ports for softwood lumber export are the southern ports of Paranaguá, São Francisco do Sul and Itajaí, while the main ports for hardwood lumber export are Belém, Belém Islands, Santarém and Vila do Conde in the northern part of the country, and Paranaguá in the south. In the year 2019, Softwood lumber exports from Brazil have increased 36 per cent from January through November.

Key Findings of the Study

• The Global Softwood Market is expected to reach USD 222.92 billion by 2035, at a CAGR of 4.1% during the forecast period.


• The North America region accounted for the fastest-growing global market.


• Based on the Type, the Pine segment was attributed to holding the largest market in 2024.


• Weyerhaeuser, Georgia-Pacific, Sierra Pacific Industries, Interfor Corporation, Canfor Corporation, West Fraser Timber, Tolko Industries, UPM, Kronospan, Metsä Group are some of the players in the market.