Engineered wood imports hit record high in Italy in 2025

In 2025 Italy recorded an unprecedented result in the timber construction sector, setting a historic record for imports of glued laminated timber and CLT (cross-laminated timber). The data, covering the period from January to November, point to a rapidly expanding market driven by growing demand for sustainable and industrialized building solutions.

According to the latest figures, imports reached 657,000 cubic meters, the highest level ever recorded since data collection began in 1999. This represents an 11 percent increase compared to 2024, confirming the strength of the growth trend and the increasingly central role of engineered wood in the Italian construction landscape.

Austria once again dominates the market, confirming its position as the leading trade partner with an 84 percent market share. With 551,000 cubic meters exported to Italy, Vienna consolidates a leadership that has lasted for years, marking its fourth consecutive increase and further strengthening its strategic importance in the sector.

Alongside Austria’s leadership, Germany is making a strong comeback. Imports from the German market rose by 35 percent, reaching 35,000 cubic meters, the highest level since 2011. This signals renewed competitiveness and a stronger presence in the Italian market.

The year 2025 also stands out for the emergence of new players and trade dynamics. Slovakia more than doubled its volumes, while Sweden recorded extraordinary growth, exceeding 5,000 cubic meters exported—something not seen since 2005. At the same time, China and Estonia are showing steady expansion, indicating a gradual diversification of supply sources.

However, there are also signs of decline. Imports from Poland dropped sharply by 47 percent, while Romania and Latvia recorded more moderate but still significant decreases of 9 percent. These dynamics reflect a rebalancing of the market, where overall growth is accompanied by a reshaping of shares among supplier countries.