Hello,
Tuesday changed everything. Again. Environment Commissioner Jessika Roswall announced a second EUDR delay, pushing implementation to December 2026. The excuse? Their IT system can't handle the data.
Here's what's moving European forestry this week:
🔍 The Big Story
Second EUDR Delay: December 2026 New Target
Environment Commissioner Jessika Roswall dropped the bombshell on Tuesday, September 23: the EU Deforestation Regulation faces another year-long delay. Large companies now have until December 30, 2026. Small enterprises get until June 30, 2027.
This marks a two-year total delay from the original 2024 deadline. The Commission's stated reason centers on technical failure: "We have concern regarding the IT system, given the amount of information that we put into the system," Roswall said.
The World Wildlife Fund's response was brutal. Anke Schulmeister-Oldenhove called it an "embarrassing move," adding: "We should be able to expect more from our leaders than an excuse like 'The dog ate my homework'!"
Companies that invested heavily in compliance face what WWF calls "massive stranded costs." Since the first postponement, over 23 million trees have been lost—7 million to chocolate consumption alone.
The delay requires approval from both the European Parliament and Council. Given that 18 EU countries called for simplification in July, approval seems likely. But the core requirements remain unchanged: the December 31, 2020 deforestation cutoff date stands, as do all commodity coverage and due diligence obligations.
What this means for you: Your December compliance scramble just became a 2026 problem. But companies ready to comply gain competitive advantage as unprepared competitors relax. The IT excuse masks deeper political resistance—expect more changes before 2026. Source: MarketScreener, WWF, Reuters
📊 Quick Hits
1. 💼 60 Giants Oppose EUDR Weakening
Nestlé, IKEA, Barry Callebaut, Unilever, Mars, and Ferrero lead corporate resistance to diluting EUDR requirements. The Commission's consultation received 119,542 responses, with 97% from EU citizens supporting strong rules. Kenya, Cameroon, and Costa Rica already invested millions in compliance systems.
The takeaway: Business wants certainty, not endless changes. Source: Global Canopy
2. 🚀 Forest Tech Accelerator Launches New Cohort
Four companies joined the 2025 Forest Business Accelerator September 16-17. Sleipner Robotics brings autonomous electric forestry vehicles. Scandinavian Woodprinting offers 3D-printed wood fiber products. RM Labs develops forest-based food ingredients. Conifer Vision provides AI forest management support.
The takeaway: Nordic innovation pipeline remains strong despite regulatory chaos. Source: RI.SE
3. 📉 German Lumber Exports Drop 14%
January-July 2025 data shows significant decline in German softwood exports. USA shipments remained stable, Canada grew strongly, but all other major markets declined. Germany simultaneously set record for wood pellet imports, highlighting the energy transition impact.
The takeaway: German wood flows reshaping toward energy markets. Source: Timber Online
4. 📊 US Lumber Prices Stabilize at $568
After four weeks of declines from record highs, US softwood lumber found support at $568/1000 board feet (September 19). Prices down 4.7% monthly but up 11% annually. Market signals potential floor as construction season winds down.
The takeaway: North American markets stabilizing could support European exports. Source: Trading Economics
5. ♻️ Sonae Arauco Launches Fibreboard Recycling
Portuguese Mangualde factory operationalizes new recycling line for fibreboard production. The system enables circular economy approach for MDF and particle board waste. When fully operational, it will process significant volumes of post-consumer wood products.
The takeaway: Circular economy solutions advancing despite regulatory uncertainty. Source: Sonae Arauco
💎 ForestryBrief Professional Update
Tomorrow: Carbon Markets Part 3 reveals why 80% of European forest carbon projects fail verification—and how to be in the 20% that succeed.
Available Now:
Complete EUDR Series: GPS impossibility (free), Integration playbook, Enforcement reality
Carbon Markets Parts 1-2: Pricing gaps, verification costs
All issues archived and searchable
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The Weeks Ahead 📅
Late September:
Sept 25-28: Intermob Turkey, Istanbul
Sept 27: ForestryBrief Carbon Part 3 (Professional)
Early October:
Oct 1: National Hardwood Lumber Association Convention, San Antonio
Oct 2-28: Multiple EUDR training sessions (14:00 CEST)
Critical Dates:
Nov 2: PEFC Luxembourg consultation closes
Nov 12-14: Woodworking Machinery Expo, Toronto
Dec 30, 2026: NEW EUDR deadline (pending approval)
One Thing to Try This Week 🎯
Document your EUDR readiness now, while everyone else relaxes. The companies that maintain compliance momentum during delays historically dominate when rules finally apply. Create a simple spreadsheet: "What we have," "What we need," "Gap to close." The 2026 deadline will arrive faster than the 2025 one did.
Bonus: If you're ready when competitors aren't, you can charge premium prices for compliant products.
Until Tuesday (or tomorrow)!
Wish you all the best: Peter
P.S. What’s the biggest challenge you’re facing in forestry right now?
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