Finnish log buying up but mills need more raw material

Forest industry wood purchases increased by 10% in October compared with the previous month.

Statistics released by the Finnish Forest Industries Federation (FFIF) show raw material purchases reached 1.7 million m³ last month, but more supplies are still needed for mills to ensure production.

Overall industry procurement from private forests so far this year is 7.4 million m³ – down 71% on a year ago, with spruce and pine log purchases reduced by 63% and birch by 79%.

FFIF said temporary tax breaks for timber sales had not had much of an effect on sales, with only one-and-a-half months remaining of the tax cut.

“Transaction volumes are persistently low and sawmills in particular have experienced difficulties in securing sufficient quantities of logs,” it said.