Millari Group Australia has acquired Juken New Zealand’s manufacturing facilities in Gisborne, New Zealand, Australian Rural & Regional News reported.
News in international markets
Södra and Vida Pause Sawmill Production in Sweden as Timber Shortage Drives Up Prices
Södra and Vida will temporarily halt production for a short period this winter due to a timber shortage driving up prices, Skogsaktuellt reported.
Ireland’s Timber Industry Seeks Government Support Following Wind Storm Damage
The Irish timber industry is seeking government support to evaluate, harvest, and replant large volumes of woodland nationwide, Business Post reported.
Vietnam’s Wood Exports to the US Up 7% in Value in December
Vietnam’s wood and wood product exports to the US in December reached US$887.4 million, up 7% compared to November and up 19% year-over-year.
Southern Pine Lumber Exports Fall 2.2% in December
Southern pine exports (both treated and untreated) totaled 565.7 MMBF in 2024, an 11% increase compared to 2023, the SFPA and USDA reported.
UK Extends Biomass Energy Agreement With Drax but Reduces Subsidies
The UK and Drax reached a new deal that will halve the energy producer’s subsidies over 2027–31, while ensuring the group uses more sustainable sources of woody biomass, Reuters reported.
US Wood Pellet Exports Retreat in December
The US exported 879,332.3 metric tons of wood pellets in December, down from 973,783.9 metric tons in November, Biomass Magazine and the USDA reported.
Ireland Will No Longer Accept Scottish Logs Due to Larch Bark Beetle Concerns
Ireland has updated its policy on the acceptance of Scottish logs due to the potential presence of larch bark beetles.
Sveza Group Implementing Robotic Systems at Its Plywood Mill to Offset Labor Shortage
Russia’s Sveza Group is investing 400 million rubles (US$3.97 million) to install robotic systems at its production facility in Tyumen to help offset an acute labor shortage.
US to Pause Tariffs on Canada and Mexico for 30 Days
President Trump announced he would pause implementation of tariffs on Mexico and Canada for 30 days, AP reported.