Finnish production increases

Finland’s sawn timber production rose by 27% in the nine months from January to September, compared with the same period last year.

According to the latest figures from the Finnish Forest Industries Federation (FFIF) 7.2 million m³ of timber were produced, while plywood production rose 25% to 700,000m³.

“The growth figures are indicators of improved demand, but the period of 2009 being compared was unprecedentedly weak as well,” said FFIF director-general Timo Jaatinen.

Purchases of timber from private forests quadrupled to 22.1 million m³, boosted by storms in July.

However, sawmill production is still lower than two years ago and producers face increasing costs in the year ahead.

“The cost burden of Finland’s export sector will continue to grow next year when gradual increases to energy and waste taxes start to take effect,” said Mr Jaatinen.