May 16, 2014. /Lesprom Network/. The Finnish Forest Industries Federation’s (FFIF) member companies bought 8.5 million cubic metres of timber from private forests in January-March 2014. This is 25% more than in the corresponding period in 2013. Log and pulpwood procurement volumes increased to 3.9 million and 4.3 million cubic metres respectively. There were no major changes in stumpage prices, as the FFIF said in the press release received by Lesprom Network.

The forest industry’s development and the realisation of its investments require sufficient, steady and cost competitive timber availability in the long-term.

Demand for wood products showed signs of recovery in some European countries while the strong demand seen in Asia last year tailed off. Domestic demand was very low due to the low level of residential construction.

Wood products production in the 1Q 2014 totalled about 2.7 million cubic metres, which is 5% higher than last year. Plywood production amounted to approximately 310,000 cubic metres, which is 15% more than in January-March 2013. Export deliveries in January-February in both product segments were higher than in the previous year.