News in international markets

US wood pellet exports totaled 894,320.3 metric tons in August, down from July but above year-ago levels, the USDA and Biomass Magazine reported.

BC’s forestry trade mission to Japan and South Korea returned with new agreements supporting wood construction growth and expanded market opportunities for BC producers.

Kronospan completed its acquisition of ZG Timber’s Sebeș sawmill, adding sawn timber to its Romanian product portfolio.

The Council of the EU approved a mandate to simplify the EUDR and delay its application to December 2026, with extra time for small firms.

Bergkvist Siljan will close its Mora sawmill after more than a century of production, citing market pressures and timber shortages, Skogsaktuellt reported.

National Timber Group England and its parent company have filed notices of intention to appoint administrators while restructuring and other options are reviewed, TDUK reported.

Stora Enso will spin off its Swedish forest assets into a new listed company, with shares to be distributed to existing shareholders.

Stora Enso has launched a 2026 strategic review of its Central European sawmill and building solutions operations, including seven mills and related units, with divestment among the options.

EU lawmakers backed a draft bill to ease anti-deforestation due diligence rules as talks continue over legal concerns, with a final vote expected in late November, Euronews reported.

Metsä Fibre has begun change negotiations on possible 90-day layoffs affecting about 350 workers at its sawmills in Lappeenranta, Rauma, Renko, and Vilppula.