Finnish wood product output up 7% in 2013
12 February 2014Finnish wood product output rose 7% in 2013 to hit 10.1 million m3, according to the latest figures from the Finnish Forest Industries Federation (FFIF).
Exports to countries outside Europe increased, particularly to Asia, the Middle East and north Africa.
Economic uncertainty affected construction activity in Europe and demand for wood products fell in Finland. High log costs also affected sawmillers' competitiveness against international rivals.
FFIF said the Windfall Tax, to be adopted this year, and the Sulphur Directive (2015), which targets forest industry maritime transport, were two challenges facing the Finnish forestry industry. Wage agreements agreed last autumn also do not help the sector's competitiveness.
"With decisions that support the export industry, we could contribute to the Finnish forest industry's competitiveness and help ensure it provides jobs in future as well," said FFIF director-general Timo Jaatinen. "In this spring's budget framework session, the government must not propose any new taxes or increased costs for the industry."
