Forestry Bioeconomy in South West Europe: Key Statistics 2021

Forest areas in South West Europe expanded to 31 million hectares by 2021, covering 35% of the region’s land and 20% of EU forests. Timber stocks reached 3 billion m³ (o.b.), up 51.7% since 2000, with Italy seeing the largest increase at 54%. In 2021, 46% of the net annual increment was removed, peaking at 71% in Portugal. Natural disturbances drove increased salvage logging. The sector contributed €4 billion GVA (0.12% of GDP), down 36% from 2000, with Italy accounting for €2 billion. Employment stood at 67,300, a 14% drop since 2000.