Finnish sawlog sales "lively" in June

Log purchases in Finland last month were “lively”, with all timber grades in good demand.

The Finnish Forest Industries Federation (FFIF) said June’s volume was double that of May, matching levels achieved 12 months ago.

At the end of June, the aggregate volume of sawlog purchases stood at 3.8 million m³.

“Timber prices are now higher than they have been for a few years and also high when compared to the average price of the 2000s,” said FFIF.

Stumpage prices rose 3% on average in June compared to May, with average pine sawlog stumpage prices reaching €57 per m³ and €59 for spruce. Birch prices fetched €44 per m³.

“Exceptionally high market prices and good demand, which is at least for now targeting all timber grades, provide favourable opportunities for high earnings from stumpage sales,” said FFIF.