News in international markets

Canfor’s subsidiary Vida AB completed its purchase of AB Karl Hedin Sågverk, adding 230 million board feet in capacity and expanding its Swedish footprint.

Pfeifer said integrating Finland’s Pölkky, acquired in 2023, strengthens its market position, with investments in Kajaani and Taivalkoski and expansion into Japan, the UK, and US.

UPM Fibers will keep its Kaukas mill down until October 11 and shut Pietarsaari for two weeks in November, citing pulp markets and high wood costs.

Sonae Arauco opened an €8 million fiberboard recycling line in Portugal, enabling up to 20% recycled MDF fibers in new panels.

Carter Holt Harvey will close its Tokoroa plywood plant. The move follows an announcement of the closure of its Eves Valley sawmill.

Segezha Group will lay off 350 workers at its Novoeniseysky Wood-Chemical Complex in Siberia as revenues fall and costs rise, Wood and Panel Europe reported.

South Australia’s forestry industry warns giant pine scale could devastate pine estates, with infestations already forcing tree removals near Adelaide, ABC reported.

Södra will equip its Värö sawmill with AI-driven scanning technology from Microtec, aiming to boost precision, efficiency, and sustainability by late 2025.

The US exported 979,282.7 metric tons of wood pellets in July, up from 743,157.7 metric tons in June, the USDA and Biomass Magazine reported.

Setra Group will cut 50 jobs and reduce output by half at its Hasselfors sawmill, citing weak global construction markets and rising costs.