Finnish log sales maintain good pace in June

Log sales from Finland’s private forests in June proceeded at a good pace, according to the Finnish Forest Industries Federation.

The forest industry purchased 4 million m³ of timber from private forests during the month, while the aggregate purchase volume for January-June was almost 11 million m³ – more than triple that in the corresponding period in 2009.

But the sluggish pace of timber sales from earlier in the year still affects the volume, which is 14% lower than the long-term average. Good demand was reported for all timber grades.

Stumpage prices of almost all timber grades rose by 5% from May, with the average pine log price at €56 per m³, while spruce logs cost €57 per m³. Birch logs fetched €41 per m³.

Current prices are higher than the average level of the last decade.