FFIF : Fairly Good Timber Sales Activity in September

September was fairly good in the timber market. Timber prices were high in comparison to long-term averages and all timber grades were in good demand.

Stumpage prices remained on the high level achieved one year ago in September, although a slight month-on-month decrease was recorded.

The stumpage price of pine sawlogs was around €55 per cubic metre in September, while spruce sawlogs fetched €56 and birch sawlogs €42 per cubic metre. The average price of pine and birch pulpwood was €16 per cubic metre, and the average price of spruce pulpwood was €19 per cubic metre.

The forest industry purchased 2.9 million cubic metres of wood from private forest owners in September. The aggregate purchase volume for the year now stands at 17.8 million cubic metres, with pulpwood procurements accounting for 9.9 million cubic metres and sawlog procurements for 7.2 million cubic metres of this.

Lively autumn and winter expected for the timber market

Autumn is traditionally an active time for the timber market. Existing high stumpage prices create a good environment for lively timber sales also in the later part of the year and demand for all timber grades remains stable.

Steady availability of wood raw material supports growth in the consumption of domestic wood and is a fundamental prerequisite to the operations of the wood processing sector.