Finnish sawn timber output down 30%

Finnish sawn timber production was down about 30% in the first half of 2009 compared to a year ago, according to a new report.

The Finnish Forest Industries Federation’s latest Forest Industry Review also says production for the period totalled 3.8 million m³.

Second quarter production was 1.9 million m³ – 35% less than a year ago, while sawn timber prices were around a fifth lower than 2008.

Plywood production slipped 49% in the first half to 370,000m³, while second quarter output was 45% down at 200,000m³.

The value of the wood product industry’s production in the second quarter was almost halved from last year to just under €900m.