Australian timber industry news

Metsä aims to strengthen the biodiversity, vibrancy and climate resilience of forests in parallel with their economic value. The ambitious goals of regenerative forestry can’t be achieved alone. A common vision of the future was outlined at 15 discussions across Finland. The events organised from 28 March to 2 April were part of Kone Foundation’s Great Forest Dialogue Day. Source: Timberbiz As part of the Great Forest Dialogue Day, Metsä Group organised 15 events across Finland to discuss regenerative forestry. A large group of forest sector operators, including forest owners, media representatives, forest machine contractors and operators, hunters, representatives of environmental organisations, the authorities, artists, education sector representatives, scouts and representatives of the 4H organisation, joined the roundtable meetings as invited guests. The Great Forest Dialogue Day is a project of Kone Foundation’s Metsän puolella (“For the Woods”) initiative, the goal of which is to give greater visibility to the meanings and values associated with forests, introduce variety into forest-related discussions and support the transformation of forest-related activities. “The goal of the Great Forest Dialogue Day is to gain an understanding of what forests mean to people in Finland, and what hopes, and potential fears are associated with the current state and future of forests. “The forest industry is one of the most significant operators in matters concerning forests, and its societal role also generates a great deal of discussion. I believe that learning about people’s expectations and fears related to the forest can really benefit the forest industry and its operational development,” said Mari Pantsar, Change Manager at Kone Foundation’s Metsän puolella initiative. The goal of regenerative forestry is to increase forest biodiversity through various practical actions and to ensure the improvement can be measured. By doing so, it is also possible to safeguard the vitality of forests in a changing future climate. Measuring the progress and achieving the goals call for wide cooperation in which attention is paid to ecological, economic, social and cultural aspects. “The more than 90,000 Metsä Group forest owner members own around half of Finland’s private forests, giving them a key role in the implementation of regenerative forestry. However, we can’t achieve our goals alone – we need the involvement of all the operators across the value chain,” said Tomi Salo, SVP, Corporate Affairs at Metsä Group. Discussions play an important role in Metsä Group’s regenerative forestry initiatives. It helps create a common value base, a future vision and goals, all of which are required for joint practical action. Critical views that help develop operations are an essential part of an open dialogue. It may not always be possible to reach a consensus, but we can still build an understanding that reflects different perspectives.

The Ponsse Greasing System is a new optional accessory for Ponsse harvester heads, designed for chainsaw lubrication. The system feeds grease to the chainsaw from screw-in grease cartridges according to the dosing settings made through the Opti5G information system. Grease cartridges stored in a warm place ensure effective lubrication throughout the work shift. Source: Timberbiz This is a solution that makes the workday of a forest machine operator easier, especially in cold weather. The grease cartridges replace the fixed grease tank in the harvester head, so you no longer need to pump cold grease from an external container to the harvester head’s grease tank. The cartridge is quick and easy to replace. The cartridges are easy to transport and can be stored in car or cabin. The lubrication system can hold two 400-gram screw cartridges, which last approximately 8–16 hours, depending on the amount of sawing and dosing settings. The dosing settings can be adjusted from the Opti 5G information system according to the situation and need. The information system notifies the operator when it is time to change the cartridge.  The grease cartridge is quick to change, so the machine’s downtime is very short. The grease cartridges can be refilled. Ponsse’s range includes grease cartridges suitable for various needs such as mineral oil-based grease or new biodegradable oil-based grease. The Ponsse Greasing System is currently available for all Ponsse H6, H7, and H8 harvester heads. The Greasing Systems can also be retrofitted.

When we think about Sweden, we don’t think about drought conditions but forests in southern Sweden are suffering from recurring droughts, something that accelerated with the dry summer of 2018. Source: Timberbiz The trees have not yet recovered and are having difficulty starting to grow in several places. This was shown by this year’s forest damage report for 2024 from the Swedish Forest Agency. “There are forests that are still standing and stomping and do not want to start growing properly again after the drought and are therefore also more susceptible to damage. This is worrying for the growth in the forest,” said Lennart Svensson, forestry specialist and national forest damage coordinator at the Swedish Forest Agency. Even though 2024 was not a drought year, drought effects are still visible in the forest, which in all likelihood accelerated in connection with the warm and dry summer of 2018. Growth in Sweden’s forests has decreased over the past 10 years. Drought is considered to be the main and most likely explanation for the decrease in growth. The effects are most evident in the southern parts of the country, where Gotland and Kronoberg appear to be the worst affected according to observations made by the Swedish Forest Agency. On Gotland, extensive growth reduction and pine death in planted pine stands were noted in 2024. The pines are losing needles, showing signs of stress with yellowing needles and thinned crowns. The trees are at risk of dying prematurely. The drought in combination with fungal attacks is also considered to have been a triggering factor for the damage to birch in the form of significant bud and branch death that has been observed primarily in Kronoberg County. More injury trends and outbreaks across the country are also noted in this year’s report: A relatively severe outbreak of pine weevil was observed on Gotska sandön, where the distribution area was approximately 460 hectares. A rough estimate is that the mortality rate among the pines is between 5% and 15%. The bark beetle is the insect that is believed to cause the most damage to conifer plantations when it gnaws at the bark. Most reports come from Götaland, where the damage is estimated to be more common than before. The fungus Törskate, which attacks and damages pine trees, continues to be a concern in northern Sweden. Damage levels are still considered high in large parts of the region. Elm disease continues to spread in the country and 2024 seems to be a particularly aggressive year. Notes about infected and dead elms come from almost all counties in Götaland and Svealand. On Gotland, an inventory shows a sharp increase. Grazing damage to pine trees by moose and other deer continues to be a major problem. This year’s moose grazing inventory (Äbin) shows that 12% of pine trees in young forests (1–4 m high) have annual damage. This is more than double the society’s target of a maximum of five percent. “The best way to combat damage to the forest is to invest in the right trees on the right land so that they become strong and resilient. We also know that having a varied forest with different tree species and ages is effective in resisting storms and attacks from insects and fungi,” Mr Svensson said.

New Zealand’s Forest & Bird is concerned about modelling revealing that meeting the Government’s climate commitments would require planting vast areas of conservation and other Crown land in permanent pine forests, in a desperate attempt to meet Aotearoa New Zealand’s net zero emissions 2050 goal. Source: Timberbiz Official Ministry for Primary Industries modelling indicates that 280,000 hectares of new pine trees could be planted on Crown land and 230,000 hectares of this would be permanent. In stark contrast, there would be just 50,000 hectares planted in native trees. To give a sense of scale, the combined area of 330,000 hectares of Crown land being discussed is not far off the size of Mount Aspiring National Park. “Conservation land needs to be for conservation,” says Forest & Bird’s Chief Executive, Nicola Toki. “This is another move in a worrying trend where the Government has been looking to open up public conservation land for development by private interests. “Fast-track and other resource management and conservation reforms are all eroding protections that are in place for conservation land, that generations of New Zealanders have fought hard to secure. “We need to set the record straight about references by ministers to ‘low value’ conservation land. A review of 644,000 hectares of West Coast stewardship land recommended just 0.01% for disposal. “Most of the land was recommended for either national park or conservation park land status. So where is this land with very low or no conservation value they want to allow commercial interests to plant pines on? “The good news is that there is an opportunity here – we can plant native trees for carbon and deliver for our native wildlife and wild places. Forest & Bird supports planting trees to help with climate change, but any permanent sequestration planting needs to be native. “Native trees are suited to our soil and weather conditions and more robust during the growing number of extreme weather events. Getting this right would be a win-win – helping to meet our emissions target and ensuring conservation land is protected for our unique biodiversity and the benefit of generations of New Zealanders to come. “But just 50,000 hectares of native planting out of 330,000 is a massive missed opportunity. “We’ve seen the devastating consequences of planting pines in the wrong places, such as the erosion and sediment impacts during Cyclone Gabrielle in Te Tairāwhiti. “We also know that it’s not enough to plant native trees and walk away, otherwise we’re just giving feral deer, pigs, and goats a free lunch on the taxpayer. We need to wrap around targeted pest control to ensure that these invasive browsing mammals don’t destroy the undergrowth and young trees.” In December 2024, the Government said that native forests are important for biodiversity, to store carbon, and because they can increase resilience to floods, droughts, and storms. Forest & Bird expects future decisions to be evidence based and support native planting for carbon and biodiversity benefits.

The National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) is gearing up for the future, with the rebrand of the NHVR Portal to ‘NHVR Go’ on 14 April 2025. Source: Timberbiz The refreshed design and brand of the NHVR Portal will see NHVR Go become the heavy vehicle hub driving customers forward. NHVR Executive Director Michelle Tayler said the rebrand reflected the NHVR’s commitment to providing a single, online destination for industry and road managers to access an array of tools and services. “One of the most important resources we offer our customers is the Portal,” Ms Tayler said. “We’re committed to soon providing all regulatory services through our online hub, and the rebrand to NHVR Go forms part of an ongoing transformation to see the platform become our heavy vehicle business centre. “Our customers will still be able to access all the existing offerings through NHVR Go, with the changes improving the look and feel of the site to create a better user experience.” NHVR Go’s suite of tools for road managers and industry will remain as route planning, access information, compliance data, accreditation schemes and more. While operators will still use NHVR Go for tasks such as retrieving a permit application or submitting a Performance Based Standard Vehicle application, Ms Tayler said the rebrand would ensure the platform would better meet modern expectations. “With a refreshed name and identity, NHVR Go embodies our commitment to innovation,” she said. “Australia’s trucking industry has undergone a significant digital transformation over the past few years and both industry and government are embracing new technologies to improve efficiency and safety. “Our online platform is no different, and we’re reflecting a more modern and digitised industry in 2025. “The improved look and feel of NHVR Go will help us support an adaptive and fast-growing heavy vehicle industry.” NHVR Go will continue to embed growing technological offerings in 2025, including the National Network Map which offers a single and authoritative location for the heavy vehicle industry to map journeys across state and territory borders for their entire fleet. The NHVR will soon roll out an improved intelligent route planner, integrated within the map, to enable faster journey planning and better efficiencies for operators. This foundational work will integrate over time with the National Automated Access System, providing industry with a seamless experience through NHVR Go for all access information. NHVR Go will also see added tools for road managers, to assist with road network access decisions.

With a month to go before the Federal Election the Australian Forest Contractors Association has released its platform of policies and initiatives for a secure future for specialist forest operations for plantation and native forest estates. Source: Timberbiz Forest services businesses are an essential link to the forest products value chain. The entire sector relies on safe, sustainable and viable businesses operations and practices within forest areas and to safely transport logs, wood fibre and biomass to mills, ports and other processors, AFCA Chief Executive Officer Tim Lester said. “Active forest management is the key to long term forest health, and it includes sustainable harvesting of native timber with continuing strong environmental and regulatory protections,” Mr Lester said. “The vast majority of Australia’s public native forest estate is already protected for conservation. Our management of native regrowth production forests is so good after a short time they are almost indistinguishable from other areas. “The World Bank says that every dollar generated by forest industries multiplies two and a half times through the economy. Forest operations are high quality, extremely skilled and specialist jobs located in rural and regional areas which support thousands of families, hundreds of small businesses and many, many communities. “Growing forests are also proven as an extremely effective carbon sink. In fact, government figures show that in the 20 years to 2021 native production regrowth forests captured an additional 120 million tonnes of carbon while forests managed for conservation emitted more than 250 million tonnes. “Whether for plantations or native forests, securing the future of our specialist forest operations businesses and workforce is a win-win for carbon, communities and the economy,” Mr Lester said.  

Victoria is strengthening its position as a global leader in sustainable timber, engineered wood, and next-generational biomaterials, capitalising on the demand for low-carbon alternatives to create regional jobs and secure a local supply of construction materials while tackling a changing climate. Source: Timberbiz The Victorian Forest Products Association (VFPA) is playing a key role in this transition, having launched the Victorian Wood Fibre Roadmap to 2050. A bold and comprehensive strategy that positions Victoria’s $9bn wood fibre industry as a global leader in sustainable wood fibre production, advanced manufacturing, and circular bioeconomy innovation, the Roadmap outlines an ambitious way forward for the state’s wood fibre and forestry industries. VFPA Chief Executive Officer, Andrew White, said the Roadmap paves the way forward for Victoria to develop innovative new products, such as biofuels, next generation building products and nanocellulosic materials. “There is significant global interest in cellulose nanomaterials as a substitute for synthetic materials or nano-reinforcement for polymers in industries like healthcare, packaging, textiles, and even 3D printing,” said Mr White. “This is about using every part of the tree, multiple times over, and transforming our existing industry strengths into global leadership in low-carbon materials and sustainable design. With the right policy settings, we can grow this sector even further to deliver climate solutions, housing materials, and manufacturing jobs where they’re needed most.” The Roadmap’s key actions include: Expanding Victoria’s softwood and hardwood plantations. Fast-tracking investment in engineered wood products and innovation hubs. Prioritising local timber in construction to cut embodied carbon. Boosting wood fibre recovery and reuse to build a circular economy. Backing next-gen biofuels, textiles, and biochemicals through targeted R&D. The industry already injects over $9 billion into Victoria’s economy and supports more than 17,000 direct jobs – mostly in regional areas. Now, with a strong policy focus and a rising global appetite for sustainable materials, Victoria is laying the groundwork for a world-leading timber and biomaterials sector. VFPA is calling on all levels of government to back the vision and support strategic investment in plantations, domestic processing, and future innovation potential. “We’re asking the parliament to work with us on a bi-partisan basis – not just to support what we have now, but to build something even better,” Mr White said. “If we make smart investments off the back of Victoria’s strong scientific credentials, it’s not impossible to think that Victoria could be a leading player in turning renewable wood fibre into real climate and economic outcomes.” Download the Roadmap here.

The Tasmanian Forest Products Association (TFPA) welcomes the Coalition’s forestry initiatives, as outlined by Peter Dutton in northern Tasmania. Speaking after the announcement, TFPA Chief Executive Officer Nick Steel said the industry is pleased the Coalition plans to back all forms of our sustainable industry. Source: Timberbiz “Peter Dutton’s commitment to all forms of forestry – including our sustainable native sector – provides the certainty our industry needs to invest and grow our businesses for years to come,” Mr Steel said. “Tasmania’s forest industry is predominantly based in rural and regional towns, so the ability to plan and invest for the long term means our businesses can support the communities that they live and work in into the future. “News that a Coalition Government will provide $40 million in matched grants to establish a new Timber Manufacturing Expansion Program will further assist local businesses to value add on-island and will work hand-in-hand with the Tasmanian Government’s on-island processing grants. “Recommitment to the Coalition’s TFES improvements is also welcomed and following the success of Tasmania’s Permanent Timber Production Zone (PTPZ) program, it’s pleasing to see the Liberal, if elected, will roll out Similar zones across Australia. “Today’s announcement shows that the Liberal Party is committed to protecting our sustainable industry into the future, and we look forward to receiving similar strong commitments from the Labor Party in the coming weeks.”  

Australia’s forestry and forest products sector has welcomed the Coalition’s suite of election commitments for its industries announced this week. These policy and funding measures align with the Australian Forest Products Association’s (AFPA’s) Election Platform and will make a considerable and positive impact for our sustainable sector, if delivered, AFPA Chief Executive Officer, Diana Hallam said. Source: Timberbiz The Coalition has committed to: Country of Origin labelling for wood – so consumers know where what they’re buying comes from Supporting Australia’s native forestry industries, stating – “A Dutton Government will not support any further bans on native forestry” Establishing Permanent Timber Production Zones to support ongoing and reliable access for plantation and native timber $40 million in grants to establish a new Timber Manufacturing Expansion Program – where mills must utilise wood from their own region Removing public funding from the Environmental Defenders Office (EDO), cracking down on hollow activist lawfare and ensuring only sensible regulation that properly considers economic and social benefits. “This is a welcome package that demonstrates the Liberal-National Parties’ commitment to plantation and native forestry and our downstream processing and manufacturing cogs of the supply chain,” Ms Hallam said. “It’s an excellent start from the Coalition for what Australia’s forest industries need to realise their potential for the economy, local communities, the climate and Aussie and export consumers into the future. “Country of Origin labelling is an important reform that allows consumers to choose to buy Australian timber and understand the potential environmental implications of imported timber. With more dubious, imported product in the Australian marketplace, it’s critical that consumers can compare the origins of their product. “The Coalition’s support for native forestry is also essential in a political environment that has seen the industry under attack. The Australians that rely on the native forestry industry deserve to know that the next Federal Government – whatever their political stripes – has their back. “The Coalition’s funding for manufacturing expansion will allow us to do more with our existing timber resource and is welcome to boost capability in goods creation across the sector. The commitment for permanent timber production zones boosts sovereign capability in timber and wood-fibre – especially by enhancing the standing of much needed new timber plantations. “We are asking all sides of politics to sign up to our Australian Timber. Australia’s Future Election Platform in full this campaign and will continue working to secure the best outcomes for our sector from the next Federal Government. “Forestry and forest products have an important role providing local and highly skilled jobs that support communities, creating essential and sustainable everyday products we all use and helping the economy decarbonise with products made from sustainably Aussie grown resource,” Ms Hallam said.

The Australian Forest Contractor’s Association has welcomed the strong statement of support and commitment for Australia’s sustainable forestry industries made by the Coalition at the weekend. Source: Timberbiz The release of a policy statement on Australia’s forest industry has confirmed that a Dutton Coalition Government will not support any further bans on native forestry, and secure ongoing managed and regulated timber harvesting by establishing Permanent Timber Production Zones. Welcoming the commitments AFCA Chief Executive Officer Tim Lester said these policies would provide much needed certainty for businesses, hundreds of communities and tens of thousands of workers. “Production forestry from our regrowth native estate is sustainable and renewable, with positive payoffs for communities and the environment,” Mr Lester said. “The alternative is exporting our jobs, importing more timber and Australian taxpayers spending more to manage our forests. “Jobs in forestry are stable, sustainable and high quality, supporting rural and regional communities around Australia. The World Bank tells us that the overall economic impact of forest industries is $2.50 for every dollar generated by the industry. “We know from data collected by the NSW National Parks that managed timber harvesting poses no threat to koalas or other species. “We are pleased to see this practical approach to protecting the future of our sustainable industry and look forward to receiving similar assurances from the Australian Labor Party during the election campaign.”

FSC is extending the suspension of the Asia Pulp and Paper (APP) Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on the implementation of the FSC Remedy Framework until the end of June 2025.  Source: Timberbiz The extension of the suspension is due to a conflict of interest identified between Domtar and the law firm FSC identified for conducting the legal review of APP and Domtar’s corporate groups. FSC is identifying a different independent, third-party law firm to conduct this legal review. In January 2025, FSC suspended APP’s remedy MoU until the end of March 2025 because of the changes APP and Domtar announced regarding the concentration of sole beneficial ownership of the two corporate groups. FSC is commissioning a legal review of the corporate groups of Domtar and APP to better understand the implications and the effect of this change, and any impacts on the scope of the APP remedy process and the MoU. FSC disassociated from APP’s entire corporate group in 2007. To remedy the environmental and social harms APP caused in the past, FSC and APP signed a remedy MoU in 2024 to implement the FSC Remedy Framework. Earlier this year, Jackson Wijaya, the sole beneficial owner of Domtar (an FSC certificate holder), took over as APP’s sole beneficial owner.

In 2024, Brazil exported nearly 20 million metric tons (MT) of pulp, marking a 3% increase in volume compared to 2023 and a 34% rise in export value. Source: Timberbiz These numbers are expected to grow as planned pulp mill investments come to fruition. Some of these include: In December 2024, Suzano S.A. inaugurated the world’s largest single-line pulp mill in Ribas do Rio Pardo, Mato Grosso do Sul, which has an annual production capacity of 2.55 million MT. Chile’s Arauco is building a US$4.6 billion bleached eucalyptus market pulp mill that will be the world’s largest pulp mill project with 3.5 million MT/year capacity when it starts up in 2027. Dissolving pulp producer Bracell has earmarked US$4 billion to build a 2.8 million MT/year pulp mill in Água Clara. Competition for land in Brazil and investments in pulp production capacity have been key factors in rising log prices for the past two decades. However, Brazil’s pulp producers have the advantage of a huge and expanding planted forest resource to provide wood fibre. The country’s planted tree area has expanded to reach 10.2 million hectares, while protecting and expanding the wood fibre resources plays an important role in pulp producers’ investment decisions. Suzano’s R$22.2 billion Cerrado Project investment includes R$6.3 billion for timber plantations and logistics, while Klabin announced plans at the end of 2023 to purchase Arauco’s forestry assets in Paraná for US$1.16 billion. Brazil is the largest supplier of hardwood pulp to the US, and its pulp industry is waiting to see how it might be affected by the current US enthusiasm for tariffs. There has been some speculation that any increase in prices of Northern Bleached Softwood Kraft Pulp (NBSK) as tariffs hit Europe and Canada could push US tissue producers to switch to hardwood pulp, increasing business for Latin American producers. Brazil’s pulp industry is on a promising trajectory, fuelled by substantial investments in new pulp mills and the expansion of timber plantations. While challenges such as increasing log prices and land competition persist, Brazil’s extensive planted forest resources offer a significant competitive advantage. As the leading supplier of hardwood pulp to the US, Brazil stands to gain from potential shifts in global pulp demand. For further insights into Brazil’s pulp mill investments and wood fibre costs.

JCB is set to double the size of a new factory currently under construction in Texas as the company confirmed today that newly announced tariffs will impact its business in the short-term. Source: Timberbiz JCB has been manufacturing in the USA for 50 years, and last year bought 400 acres of land in San Antonio after recognising the need to produce even more machines in North America, where the company’s existing manufacturing plant in Savannah, Georgia, has operated for 25 years and employs around 1,000 people. The original plan for a 500,000 square feet factory in San Antonio has now been revised and JCB is forging ahead with plans to double its size to one million square feet. The new US$500 million plant is due to start production next year and employ up to 1,500 people and will build on JCB’s growth in North America. JCB has been in business for 80 years this year and it is well accustomed to change. “The United States is the largest market for construction equipment in the world and President Trump has galvanised us into evaluating how we can make even more products in the USA, which has been an important market for JCB since we sold our first machine there in 1964,” Lord Bamford, JCB Chairman said. JCB CEO Graeme Macdonald said that in the short term, the imposition of tariffs will have a significant impact on the business. ‘However, in the medium term, our planned factory in San Antonio will help to mitigate the impact. We are thankful that the tariff is only 10% and we can only hope that the UK Government will conclude negotiations on a trade deal in the coming days and weeks.”

As the US President continues to dismantle world trade by introduction of tariffs and other means, IndustryEdge continues to cast a spotlight onto the facts. Source: IndustryEdge This is one in a series from IndustryEdge, that will address specific details of bilateral and multilateral trade in the materials, sectors and industries in which we are involved, for both Australia and New Zealand. Australia has been hit with the ‘base’ 10% tariffs on its imports to the USA. This will impact wood and wood products trade, as well as wood products trade. However, many other countries especially countries with whom Australia has significant trading positions, face far higher tariffs for trade into the USA. As the world has come to learn, the rationale for the tariffs is a mix of misunderstanding, economic voodoo and a failure to check whether some locations were even countries or inhabited by anything more than penguins. Global capital and stock markets have faltered significantly since the announcement (which has already come into force). Investors are recalculating risks and devaluing assets the world over. Major institutions now say global recession is a 50/50 bet and a US recession is pretty much assured. It’s a rerun of the 1930 Smoot-Hawley Tariff Act that created a trade war that extended the Great Depression by years and was opposed almost universally outside the US and by nearly all economists and business leaders. Sound familiar? Below, we outline the headline facts of Australia’s trade in wood products with the USA. In calendar year 2024, Australia operated a trade deficit for wood and wood products with the USA, valued at AUD84.2 million. That is, Australia exported wood and wood products valued at AUD9.0 million, but imports from the USA were valued at AUD93.2 million. That balance of trade deficit was the lowest in many years. Imports from the USA accounted for 3.5% of total wood and wood products imports by value. The USA was the fifth largest supplier to Australia, with total imports valued at AUD2.657 billion. Exports to the USA accounted for just 0.5% of total wood and wood products exports by value. The USA received the ninth highest value of Australian products, which in aggregate were valued at AUD1.639 billion, dominated by woodchip exports. Australia’s Bilateral Balance of Trade with the USA in Wood & Wood Products: 2017 – 2024 (AUDM) Source: ABS, derived and IndustryEdge In 2024, Australia exported wood and wood products valued at AUDFob1,638.9 million. Nearly one third went to New Zealand and close to 15% was delivered to the USA. Australia’s exports went to 155 countries over the year. The chart shows the top five ‘countries’, the table shows the top 14. It is notable that ‘No Country Details’ dominates. This is the entirety of Australia’s hardwood and softwood woodchip exports, most of which are delivered to China and Japan. Australia’s Wood & Wood Products Exports by Main Country: 2024 (AUDM & %) In 2024, Australia imported wood and wood products valued at an enormous AUDFob2,656.5 million. China delivered 42.0 % of that – more than AUD1.1 billion worth, with the USA in fifth place behind Indonesia, New Zealand and Malaysia. The chart shows the top five countries, the table shows the top 12, but again, it is relevant that Australia received shipments from 126 countries in 2024. Australia’s Wood & Wood Products Imports by Main Country: 2024 (AUDM & %) The regrettable, worrying and seemingly ill-considered positioning of the US President can have many effects. Not least is a slowdown in global economic conditions, as trade reduces and as a minimum, is completely disrupted. In arguing the tariffs amounted to ‘liberation’ for America, we are entitled to ask the proponent, Mr Trump, ‘liberation from what?’ We will resist the temptation to borrow from the Orwellian playbook, in which liberation may be considered code for enslavement. Instead, it seems likely the liberation to which Mr Trump refers, is liberation from the rules of global trade. In turning to old-fashioned and failed protectionist measures and engaging the world in a trade war that only the most desperate sycophants and client states are likely to join, the US President is retreating to isolationism, masked by an increasingly disturbing version of nationalism. As The Economist magazine wrote this week: “Although Mr Trump has committed one of the worst policy blunders of all time, he was lucky enough to inherit a strong economy. How much pain can it take?” Retaliatory actions are already underway against US manufactured goods and companies. That is hardly surprising, and not a recipe for reinvigorated manufacturing. The extent of consumer-level reactions against US products may never be fully understood, but can be observed to some extent, in respect of Tesla’s electric car sales. When the Smoot-Hawley Act was in full force in 1931-33, the US economy tanked: GDP collapsed, both imports and exports fell dramatically, and the unemployment rate doubled. Arguably, those tariffs extended the Depression. By 1934, the tariffs were much reduced, though it took the Second World War for the US to recover properly. Following the intercession of World War II, the global trade architecture heralded by the Bretton Woods Agreement, the International Trade Organisation (ITO) and the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT) (the USA and Australia were among the eight original signatories) were quickly installed, heralding a period of substantial and open international trade. When the World Trade Organisation replaced the ITO and the GATT in 1995, both countries were again at the forefront. Today, that openness and the architecture supporting it, is again threatened by US isolationism. The hyperbole of the US President describing the imposition of universal tariffs as ‘Liberation Day’ requires comment. We need to unpick this language, in order to understand its real meaning. In imposing unilateral tariffs, the USA is withdrawing from the eight decades long multilateral rules-based system that has governed international trade since the end of World War II. If this is liberation, it is liberation from obligations to other nations and to […]

Green construction materials from the top of New Zealand’s South Island will be used in new multi-storey buildings being constructed at Parliament. Sources: The Nelson Mail, The Press Nelson Pine Industries will be providing more than 700 cubic meters of Laminated Veneer Lumber (LVL) timber, which will form part of the mass timber frame for the Museum Street building, instead of using steel or concrete. Company chief executive Kai Kruse said the LVL timber, which was made using only logs from the top of the South Island, had a high level of seismic resilience. “As well as being lighter and stronger than traditional steel or concrete structures, using a mass timber frame was the more environmentally conscious choice,” he said. The framing will arrive in Wellington from April in partly assembled sections and will be installed three storeys a time. “This LVL also has outstanding green credentials, which will contribute to the Museum Street building being net carbon zero. “As part of the mass timber frame, it will sequester 201 tons of carbon,” Kruse said. Construction of the new buildings, which are to house MPs and staff within the parliamentary precinct in Wellington, began in 2022 and are scheduled to be completed by late 2026. “This LVL also has outstanding green credentials, which will contribute to the Museum St building being net carbon zero. “As part of the mass timber frame, it will sequester 201 tons of carbon,” Kruse said. Construction of the new buildings, which are to house MPs and staff within the parliamentary precinct in Wellington, began in 2022 and are scheduled to be completed by late 2026.  

The Tasmanian Forest Products Association has welcomed a commitment by the Federal Labor Party to increase funding for the Tasmanian Freight Equalisation Scheme by $95 million, as well as promising a review into the modernisation of the program, if it wins the May 3 Federal election. Source: Timberbiz Speaking following the announcement, TFPA Chief Executive Officer Nick Steel said the modernisation of the scheme was vital to keeping Tasmanian businesses competitive. “The TFES model, as it stands, is no longer fit for purpose. This scheme was set up almost 50 years ago and it’s clear it’s no longer working for Tasmanian businesses,” Mr Steel said. “That’s why we welcome Labor’s commitment to increasing funding for the scheme – to ensure correct cost recovery as well as a full review into the modernisation of the TFES.” Mr Steel said making sure the scheme is fit for purpose is more important now more than ever. “Australia is currently in a cost-of-living crisis. It’s being particularly felt here in Tasmania, not only by consumers but also by businesses trying to sell to the other states,” Mr Steel said. “Being an island, Tasmania is at a distinct disadvantage compared to other states when shipping goods to their markets. That’s why the Whitlam Government introduced the TFES in the 1970s to go some way to level the playing field between mainland and Tasmanian businesses. “However, to work properly it’s essential to regularly review the scheme to ensure its original purpose remains relevant.” This announcement brings bipartisan commitment to the modernisation of the scheme – ensuring it remains fit for purpose into the future. The Federal Coalition has promised that if elected it will oversee a review of the Tasmanian Freight Equalisation Scheme and support Tasmanian businesses to the tune of $62 million while that review takes place. “It’s pleasing to see that both sides of politics recognise the importance of the TFES in allowing Tasmanian businesses to compete on the mainland,” Mr Steel said. “The TFPA looks forward to continuing to work with both sides of politics to ensure other issues for Tasmanian forestry remain on the political radar.”

The Federal Coalition will back in Australia’s renewable forestry industry with a rock-solid commitment of no more lockups. Shadow Forestry Minister Senator Jonno Duniam, who was joined at Neville Smith Forest Products in Launceston by all of the Liberal’s 2025 Tasmanian election candidates at the weekend, said that the announcement backed in the vital industry. Source: Timberbiz “Only the Coalition can be trusted to stand up for Australia’s native forest industry,” Senator Duniam said. “Our forest industry is renewable, it’s sustainable, it provides a vital product that we need, and importantly it sustains regional communities. “A Dutton Coalition Government will not support any further bans on native forestry. “Not one more tree, not one more stick will be locked up under us.” Senator Duniam said that the Coalition position on forestry provided a stark contrast to that offered by Labor. “Shutting down native forestry is in Labor’s DNA. They’ve done it in Western Australia, they’ve done it in Victoria, and they tried to do it in Tasmania the last time they were in power with the Greens in 2010-2013,” Senator Duniam said. “On Thursday, Labor’s rookie candidate for the seat of Bass spoke the truth when she revealed that she believed that native forestry should be shut down,” he said, On Thursday, during a live radio interview with ABC Northern Tasmania, the Labor candidate for the northern seat of Bass, Jess Teesdale, conceded she wanted to see the state government end the practice. It came after she said the federal Labor government would not intervene to override the states. The ABC later reported that later the candidate, who is standing for a federal election for the first time, issued a clarification. “The Albanese Labor government is not changing its policy on native forestry logging,” it read. “These are state forests managed by the Tasmanian Liberal Government. “We support the jobs and the communities that rely upon this industry.” Senator Duniam said there was no doubt, given half the chance, Labor will “try to shut our forestry industry down – especially with the Greens likely pulling their strings in a minority government”. “The only way to support and safeguard our forestry industry is to vote for the Coalition,” he said. Speaking after the announcement, TFPA Chief Executive Officer Nick Steel said the industry is pleased the Coalition plans to back all forms of our sustainable industry. “Peter Dutton’s commitment to all forms of forestry – including our sustainable native sector – provides the certainty our industry needs to invest and grow our businesses for years to come,” Mr Steel said. “Tasmania’s forest industry is predominantly based in rural and regional towns, so the ability to plan and invest for the long term means our businesses can support the communities that they live and work in into the future. “News that a Coalition Government will provide $40 million in matched grants to establish a new Timber Manufacturing Expansion Program will further assist local businesses to value add on-island and will work hand-in-hand with the Tasmanian Government’s on-island processing grants. “Recommitment to the Coalition’s TFES improvements is also welcomed and following the success of Tasmania’s Permanent Timber Production Zone (PTPZ) program, it’s pleasing to see the Liberal, if elected, will roll out Similar zones across Australia. “Today’s announcement shows that the Liberal Party is committed to protecting our sustainable industry into the future, and we look forward to receiving similar strong commitments from the Labor Party in the coming weeks.”

The Australian Forest Products Association wants Federal Labor and the Coalition to ensure their political support for Australia’s sustainable native forestry is clearly communicated. Source: Timberbiz The sector supports the livelihoods of thousands of Australians, while millions more benefit from the essential and sought after products the sector manufactures for our everyday life, AFPA Chief Executive Officer Diana Hallam said on Friday. The Coalition at the weekend said it would back in Australia’s forestry industry with a rock-solid commitment of no more lock-ups. “The time has come in this Federal Election Campaign for Federal Labor and the Coalition to express their unequivocal support for Australia’s native forestry sector and that they’ll stand by that support in the event of a hung parliament next term. These are essential industries that Australia cannot live without and require strong Commonwealth support and a political mandate to operate. We need to know where they stand,” Ms Hallam said. The AFPA’s call to the major parties follows comments on Thursday by the Labor candidate for the northern seat of Bass, Jess Teesdale that she wanted to see the end of native logging. Her office later issued a clarification, saying that “the Albanese Labor government is not changing its policy on native forestry logging”. “These are state forests managed by the Tasmanian Liberal Government,” it said. “We support the jobs and the communities that rely upon this industry.” Ms Hallam said the AFPA acknowledged the comment was walked back and labelled a mistake. “But a clear statement from Federal Labor, as well as the Coalition on their support for native forestry, not just in Tasmania, but nationally, is required – just as Prime Minister Albanese and the Coalition provided ahead of the 2022 Federal Election. “Native forestry operations are governed by the Federal-State Regional Forest Agreement (RFA) framework – thereby both the Commonwealth and States are required to work together, and a mandate is required from both levels of government. “This sector is essential for Australia’s sovereign capability in timber and wood-fibre resources, for the manufacturing of essential and everyday products and to underpin many communities that rely on the sector for direct employment and economic activity. Many of those communities are in regional Australia – and indeed, many in the federal electorate of Bass. “Native forestry has been forced to bear the brunt of constant and unwarranted attacks from radical and so-called green activists who are hell bent on wanting to destroy an industry Australia cannot live without. “Both sides of federal politics need to be united in their support for native forestry. The communities and families that rely on this wonderful sector deserve to have the backing of whichever major Party forms Australia’s next Federal Government,” Ms Hallam said.

The Victorian State Government has been blasted for not supporting the businesses it promised to assist in shutting down the native timber industry. Gippsland East Nationals MP, Tim Bull, said the State Government was applying criteria that stopped it assisting the very businesses it promised to help. Source: Timberbiz “On August 23, 2023, Agriculture Minister Gayle Tierney put out a media release stating the Andrews Labor Government would support businesses that were impacted but not licensed to VicForests and the media release cited firewood sellers, guitar makers and seed collectors as examples,” he said. “But 18 months later and firewood sellers, Tim and Andrea Knight – the very type of business that was stated would be supported, are not. “They are now told the forestry transition support packages for businesses are being directed towards those businesses with a contractual relationship with VicForests, or businesses that offered specialised services to either VicForests or sawmills. “However, the original statement from Minister Tierney said businesses would be supported that were not licensed to VicForests. “The Knights have also been told they are classified as ‘retailers’ and can therefore source their product from elsewhere or sell alternative products.” Mr Bull said that this raised three points: They were purchasing directly from VicForests, so how are they not eligible? Secondly, they simply cannot purchase firewood elsewhere at an affordable level with the timber industry having closed. Thirdly, regardless of the above, there is no mention of retailers being excluded in the original announcement or media release. Mr Bull pointed out a further anomaly. “Trucking company, Pelz Haulage, had a large part of its business servicing mills, among other things removing the sawdust,” he said. “The correspondence to the Knights says businesses that offered specialised services to sawmills (like Pelz Haulage) will be covered. “But there is no explanation as to why Pelz Haulage is not being compensated. “This is all happening while we have timber transition money being spent on rubbish like (quoted from the latest Labor media release): Upskilling community members to help identify future economic opportunities, and Identifying initiatives by local Innovation Working Groups through Local Development Strategies. “This will amount to nothing and is money that that should be going to those whose livelihoods have been taken away or impacted,” Mr Bull said. “We now have a new Minister in Ros Spence, who has in the past shown a better understanding and more rational approach, and I have asked her to intervene and assist these businesses as her predecessor promised.”  

Giving in to Federal Greens policies would wipe an astonishing $4 billion annually off Tasmania’s GSP and destroy 15,500 jobs, according to a simple review of ABS data, according to the Liberal Member for Bass Michael Ferguson. Source: Timberbiz “The Greens have made it clear that they want to shut down Tasmania’s job-rich mining, aquaculture and forestry industries,” Mr Ferguson said. He said that based on the latest data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics, approximately 15,500 Tasmanians were employed in these industries, collectively contributing $4 billion to the State’s economy each year. “The Liberal Party value these jobs and these people. Tasmania needs these vital industries,” Mr Ferguson said. “That’s a whopping 10.5 per cent of Tasmania’s GSP that would be at massive risk when Labor does a deal with the Greens to form Government. “To put it another way, Tasmanian households would be $17,000 worse off each and every year,” he said. “This is before the Greens kill off our defence industries, our advanced manufactures and other productive industries.” Mr Ferguson said that based on Labor’s failure to genuinely and quickly stand up for aquaculture jobs in Macquarie Harbour, Tasmanians were right to be fearful of a re-elected Labor government in Canberra, propped up and held hostage by the Greens. “Tasmanians have seen the Labor-Green nightmare before, from 2010 to 2014. Tasmania went into recession, and 10,000 Tasmanians were sent to the unemployment scrap heap,” he said. “The impacts are still being felt 10 years later, and Tasmanians will never forget. “That’s why we unashamedly say – Tasmania can’t afford to risk another Labor-Green Government.”