For the Quarter Ending December 2025
APAC
• In China, the Wooden Pallet Price Index fell by 1.2% quarter-over-quarter, reflecting subdued demand conditions
• The average Wooden Pallet price for the quarter was approximately USD 22996.67/MT, shipment-weighted Shandong totals
• Wooden Pallet Spot Price remained soft; coastal inventories restrained upward momentum across packaging and logistics
• Wooden Pallet Production Cost Trend showed mixed signals, hardwood pulp rising while softwood pulp eased
• Wooden Pallet Demand Outlook subdued due to cautious procurement, weak packaging margins and slower exports
• Wooden Pallet Price Forecast indicates modest downside unless logistics costs rise or export demand rebounds
• Wooden Pallet Price Index movements muted as producers offered discounts, stimulating orders amid margin pressure
• Port destocking progressed but failed to overcome weak demand, leaving Wooden Pallet Spot Price pressured
Why did the price of Wooden Pallet change in December 2025 in APAC?
• Elevated coastal pulp inventories limited manufacturers' pricing power, offsetting raw-material tightening that might support prices
• Reduced freight surcharges and easing log costs lowered delivered inputs, removing incentive for higher prices
• Cautious procurement from paper and packaging buyers suppressed restocking, prompting manufacturers pursue competitive spot offers
Europe
• In Poland, the Wooden Pallet Price Index rose by 8.99% quarter-over-quarter, driven by export demand.
• The average Wooden Pallet price for the quarter was approximately USD 12773.33/MT, delivered FD Gdansk.
• Tight domestic inventories lifted the Wooden Pallet Spot Price as distributors competed for limited lots.
• Rising hardwood pulp plus kiln-energy expenses affected the Wooden Pallet Production Cost Trend, pressuring margins.
• Year-end stocking and export orders improved the Wooden Pallet Demand Outlook for logistics and manufacturers.
• Domestic mills ran high utilisation, keeping Wooden Pallet Price Index elevated despite smooth port operations.
• Short-term Wooden Pallet Price Forecast signals modest easing after holidays unless timber costs remain elevated.
• Exporter demand and limited prompt inventory allowed suppliers to hold offers, sustaining upward price momentum.
Why did the price of Wooden Pallet change in December 2025 in Europe?
• Tight timber procurement and lean inventories limited domestic supply while export demand increased year-end shipments.
• Higher EU carbon costs and persistent kiln-energy plus elevated cross-border haulage raised delivered manufacturing expenses.
• Port congestion and driver shortages delayed shipments, increasing freight costs and tightening availability for prompt deliveries.
North America
• In the USA, the Wooden Pallet Price Index increased quarter-over-quarter, supported by firm logistics-sector demand and constrained availability.
• The Wooden Pallet Spot Price strengthened in December as distributors faced lean inventories amid steady offtake from warehousing and e-commerce.
• The Wooden Pallet Production Cost Trend rose, driven by higher hardwood lumber costs, pallet-grade timber tightness, and elevated kiln-drying energy expenses.
• The Wooden Pallet Demand Outlook improved toward year-end, supported by holiday-driven freight movement, inventory repositioning, and manufacturing shipments.
• Domestic pallet recyclers and mills operated at high utilization rates, keeping the Wooden Pallet Price Index firm despite stable transportation networks.
• Limited availability of core pallet components, including stringers and deck boards, tightened prompt supply across regional markets.
• The Wooden Pallet Price Forecast suggests near-term stability to mild easing post-holidays, contingent on lumber availability and freight normalization.
• Steady export shipments to Mexico and Canada, combined with strong domestic consumption, allowed suppliers to maintain offer levels.
Why did the price of Wooden Pallet change in December 2025 in the USA?
• Strong year-end logistics and retail distribution demand tightened inventories and supported higher spot values.
• Rising pallet-grade lumber and energy costs increased production expenses for mills and recyclers.
• Limited availability of repair cores and components reduced prompt supply, reinforcing price firmness.
For the Quarter Ending September 2025
North America
• In the United States, the Wooden Pallet Price Index declined by 1.72% quarter-over-quarter, reflecting easing lumber input costs and moderated logistics demand.
• The average Wooden Pallet price for the quarter was approximately USD 14,856.34/MT, supported by balanced supply and steady downstream activity.
• Wooden Pallet Spot Price softened through August before stabilizing in late September as seasonal warehousing demand lifted short-term procurement.
• Wooden Pallet Production Cost Trend decreased moderately, following lower domestic softwood prices and improved mill operating efficiency.
• Wooden Pallet Demand Outlook remains neutral, with logistics and retail sectors sustaining baseline activity while manufacturing output slowed slightly.
• Wooden Pallet Price Forecast suggests mild stabilization into Q4 2025 as inventory normalization offsets soft freight and warehouse volumes.
• Producers adjusted mill run rates downward mid-quarter to balance supply, mitigating further erosion in the Price Index.
• Export interest from Canada and Mexico provided marginal support, while domestic pallet recyclers expanded secondary supply, tempering primary market prices.
Why did the price of Wooden pallets change in September 2025 in the USA?
• Lower softwood lumber costs reduced upstream input expenses, contributing to modest price declines across major pallet-producing regions.
• Easing freight and logistics activity following the summer peak lessened pallet turnover rates, softening near-term spot demand.
• Inventory adjustments and controlled production by mills helped prevent steeper declines, while export orders to North America provided baseline price support.
APAC
• In China, the Wooden Pallet Price Index rose by 5.40% quarter-over-quarter, driven by hardwood pulp costs.
• The average Wooden Pallet price for the quarter was approximately USD 23275.67/MT, with controlled production.
• Wooden Pallet Spot Price held mid-quarter, then eased as downstream purchases moderated and inventories rose.
• Wooden Pallet Production Cost Trend climbed with hardwood pulp increases, constraining manufacturer margins and flexibility.
• Wooden Pallet Demand Outlook remains constructive, supported by e-commerce, logistics, and the recovering construction sector procurement.
• Wooden Pallet Price Forecast indicates a correction into autumn as port inventories accumulate and demand steadies.
• Manufacturers maintained controlled output and disciplined pricing, offsetting oversupply risks and supporting the regional Price Index.
• Downstream just-in-time procurement reduced bulk orders, softening near-term Wooden Pallet Price Index support despite steady logistics.
Why did the price of Wooden pallets change in September 2025 in APAC?
• Upstream hardwood pulp price increases raised input costs, directly elevating pallet manufacturing expenses and pricing.
• Inventory accumulation at pulp ports signalled building supply, increasing downward pressure on futures and spot pricing.
• Resilient logistics and construction demand maintained procurement, offsetting some cost pressures and limiting steeper price declines.
Europe
• In Poland, the Wooden Pallet Price Index rose by 0.1081% quarter-over-quarter, despite August oversupply pressures.
• The average Wooden Pallet price for the quarter was approximately USD 11719.67/MT, reflecting FD Gdansk
• Wooden Pallet Spot Price weakened in August, pressuring the domestic Price Index amid elevated inventories.
• Wooden Pallet Price Forecast indicates modest downside near term before seasonal stabilization and gradual recovery.
• Wooden Pallet Production Cost Trend remained stable as timber input prices held steady, supporting margins.
• Wooden Pallet Demand Outlook softer across logistics and construction, prompting buyers to delay replenishment, destock.
• High domestic inventories pressured the Price Index while export demand remained muted, restraining price momentum.
• Manufacturers ran high capacity and offered promotional discounts to clear stock, sustaining a downward Price Index.
Why did the price of Wooden pallets change in September 2025 in Europe?
• August oversupply and elevated inventories pressured domestic pricing, prompting manufacturers to reduce FD prices aggressively.
• Weakened demand from logistics and construction reduced throughput, limiting order volumes and suppressing spot values.
• Stable timber input costs allowed discounts without margin erosion, while buyers delayed purchases awaiting declines.
