Contraction in Finnish production slows

The contraction in Finnish forest industry production slowed down in the first nine months of 2009, according to the Finnish Forest Industries Federation (FFIF).

Third-quarter production of all products contracted by 20%, with output worth about €3.9bn. The value of production for the first nine months was €11bn.

During the third quarter less sawn timber was produced than either of the two preceding quarters, which FFIF attributed to normal seasonal fluctuations. Output was about 1.7 million m³, with the rate of contraction slower than earlier in 2009.

In the first nine months 5.4 million m³ of sawn timber was produced – a 28% fall from a year ago.

Plywood output contracted by a third during the third quarter, while for January-Sepember the figure was 45% down.

Total wood products industry production was worth about €900m in the third quarter.