Increased importation of wood raw material and higher domestic prices for sawlogs and pulp logs are being recorded, according to WRQ. From late 2016 to early 2018, domestic prices for sawlogs and pulp logs were up 16% and 19%, respectively.
Softwood log imports were up over 25% during the first four months of 2018 as compared to the same period in 2017.
Softwood log imports to Sweden increased for the second consecutive year in 2017 to 4.5 million m3, with Finland and Estonia expanding their market share the most.
During July, over 25,000ha of forests were destroyed by fires in Sweden. Substantial restrictions in timber harvests and reduced log deliveries have resulted in declining log inventories throughout the forest industry.
As a consequence, it is likely that log imports will increase during the second half of 2018.
