South Carolina Hardwood Pulpwood Prices Show Mixed Trends
In the fourth quarter of 2025, the average statewide stumpage prices for pine and hardwood pulpwood in South Carolina were $5.00 per ton and $6.30 per ton, respectively. Compared to the third quarter of 2025, pine pulpwood prices declined by approximately 10%, while hardwood pulpwood prices increased by about 40%. This substantial percentage increase for hardwood pulpwood should be viewed in the context that prices reached their lowest level in the prior quarter before this recent rebound. Following the increase, hardwood pulpwood prices have returned to levels like those at the beginning of 2025, whereas pine pulpwood prices have continued to trend downward.
Both pine and hardwood pulpwood prices remain at lower levels relative to the past three years. Overall, pulpwood prices in 2025 have been disappointing for South Carolina forest landowners, as weak market conditions have persisted throughout the year with limited signs of meaningful recovery, particularly in the pine pulpwood segment.
South Carolina Sawtimber Prices Show Mixed Trends
In the fourth quarter of 2025, statewide average stumpage prices for pine and hardwood sawtimber in South Carolina were $18.40 per ton and $17.40 per ton, respectively. Compared to the third quarter of 2025, pine sawtimber prices declined by about 20%, while hardwood sawtimber prices increased by about 9%. Both pulpwood and sawtimber stumpage prices for pine trees fell during the quarter, reflecting the emerging impacts of recent mill closures on local demand and stumpage values. Hardwood sawtimber prices rebounded slightly from their low point in the prior quarter, though they remain below levels observed at the beginning of 2025. Overall, pine sawtimber prices declined by roughly 20% year-to-date, while hardwood sawtimber prices fell by about 9% compared to the start of the year.
In summary, the sawtimber stumpage market in South Carolina remained challenging for forest landowners throughout 2025, with persistently low prices. While hardwood prices showed some modest improvement, they stayed near multi-year lows. Pine sawtimber prices continued a steady downward trend over the years, underscoring a difficult market environment statewide influenced by mill closures and broader demand pressures.
Wood Market is Local
Stumpage prices for both sawtimber and pulpwood in your local markets could vary significantly as compared to the above statewide averages depending on: size and species composition, quality of timber, total acres and volume, logging operability, distance from nearby mills, and overall market condition.
Data credit: The sawtimber and pulpwood price data included in this newsletter are published with permission from TimberMart-South Athens, GA 30605 email tmart@timbermart-south.com.
Author
Puskar Khanal, Cooperative Extension, Forestry and Wildlife Specialist
This information is supplied with the understanding that no discrimination is intended and no endorsement of brand names or registered trademarks by the Clemson University Cooperative Extension Service is implied, nor is any discrimination intended by the exclusion of products or manufacturers not named. All recommendations are for South Carolina conditions and may not apply to other areas.
Clemson University Cooperative Extension Service offers its programs to people of all ages, regardless of race, color, religion, national origin, disability, political beliefs, sex, marital or family status and is an equal opportunity employer.
