Rynek drzewnego surowca brzozowego w Polsce w latach 2008-2012

The article presents an analysis of the birch market in Poland in 2008−2012, including the acquisition (supply) of birch wood, the income structure, prices of birch wood, the structure of birch wood recipients and the volume of purchased timber. The necessary materials were obtained from the Forest Data Bank (BDL) and the State Forests Information System (SILP). The S2 wood assortment representing more than 54% of all assortment groups is most often harvested in Poland. Next come M1 representing 14%, as well as S4 and WC – each with share slightly exceeding 11%. The vast majority of the harvested and handled birch wood is in the group of medium−sized assortments S representing 66%, and in the group of small−sized assortments M representing 14%. Birch wood classified as large−sized W totals 20%. Similarly, timber assortments from group S2 also generate the largest portion of revenues (over 50% of total revenues from birch wood sales). High fluctuations in the prices of certain groups of birch wood assortments constitute a significant problem from the point of view of both the State Forests and wood consumers. A possible reduction in the supply of wood of this species in the future may deepen this phenomenon. Average sales prices of birch wood on the Polish market are lower than the prices obtained by timber producers in the neighbouring countries. The price differences in favour of foreign timber producers reach up to 20% and relate to roundwood in different quality and size classes. The exceptionally high technical quality of birch wood in our country does not translate to higher prices per cubic meter of raw timber in the domestic turnover. The sharp increase in the demand for a special type of fibres for the manufacture of many products characterized by exceptional strength (i.e. products from polymers) and textiles with special insulating properties, as well as the production of certain grades of paper and board, will stimulate the consumption of birch wood in the future.