Timber trade in Finland saw significant growth in 2024, with industrial roundwood purchases reaching 48.8 million cubic metres, marking an 18% increase from the previous year and a 20% rise compared to the five-year average. This was the second-largest volume recorded, trailing only 2018 by 5%. The price of birch pulpwood in standing sales rose by 18% to Euro 31.2 per cubic metre, while spruce log prices increased by 6% to Euro 80.5, according to the report of the Natural Resources Institute Finland (Luke).
Spruce logs and pine pulpwood each accounted for almost a quarter of total roundwood purchases. Pine logs represented one-fifth, while birch and spruce pulpwood each made up slightly over a tenth. Log sales rose by 19%, outpacing the 12% growth in pulpwood trade.
In standing sales, the price of pine logs increased by 7% to Euro 77.2 per cubic metre, while birch logs saw an 11% rise to Euro 65.1. Pulpwood prices increased the most, with pine up 20% to Euro 30.6, spruce up 17% to Euro 32.7, and birch up 18% to Euro 31.2.
Delivery sales showed similar price increases. The price of pine pulpwood rose by 11% to Euro 49.7 per cubic metre, spruce pulpwood increased by 9% to Euro 50.6, and birch pulpwood climbed by 8% to Euro 50.1. Birch log prices in delivery sales rose by 4% to Euro 74.0.
Differences in timber prices between felling methods narrowed slightly. In regeneration fellings, conifer log prices were 2-3% higher than the average stumpage price, while in thinnings, they were 8-11% lower. Pulpwood prices were 5-8% higher in regeneration fellings but fell by 2-5% in thinnings and by around 20% in first thinnings.
Real price changes were slightly lower than nominal changes due to inflation, which averaged 2% in 2024, down from higher levels in previous years.
