Apr 08, 2004. /Lesprom Network/. Finnish pulp and paper market remained unsteady in 2003. Average paper production in Finland was 89% in 2003 compared with the prior period in 2002, while in 2002 the similar rate was 88%. Overall paper and cardboard production increased, while total industry production index increased 2%. Finnish paper industry changed the main production trends in 2003. Covered paper production increased in 2003, while newsprint, non-covered paper, package paper and cardboard production witnessed a recession. In 2003 chemical pulp production increased 3% to 7,4 million tons compared with the prior period rates. Bleached softwood pulp production experienced a more intense growth compared with the average sector rates. Raw timber production was 3,6 million tons in 2003. Sawn timber production remained on a steadily high level in Finland in 2003 with total production of 13,6 million cub m. Veneer production increased 5% to 1,3 million cub m in 2003