Finnish timber industry growth slows

Finnish sawn timber production is forecast to rise to about 9.8 million m³ in 2011, a slower rate of growth which mirrors the slowdown in Europe’s GDP growth, according to the Finnish Forest Research Institute (Metla).

Metla said the upward trend in the forest industry’s profitability would lose momentum in 2001, with roundwood demand and commercial fellings up just a little on 2010 and roundwood supply falling due to the ending of tax relief on income from roundwood sales.

Stumpage prices of softwood sawlogs are forecast to rise more moderately than in 2010.