News in international markets

The Egger Group recently announced a multi-stage investment to upgrade its 22nd plant located in Markt Bibart, Germany, Woodworking Network reported.

The US exported 898,128.2 metric tons of wood pellets in September, up from 775,296.1 metric tons in August, a Biomass Magazine review of USDA data shows.

ABC News featured Australian timber industry advocates calling for extra scrutiny after a quarter of products tested in a verification trial were found to be “potentially misleading.”

Ahlstrom, a fiber-based specialty materials company, has closed the sale of its Aspa pulp mill in Sweden to Sweden Timber, Packaging Gateway reported.

Brazilian exports of wood-based products (except pulp and paper) in September increased 20.0% in value year-over-year, ITTO reported.

Stora Enso announced that it has entered into an agreement to acquire 100% of the Finnish sawmill company Junnikkala Oy.

Experts in Ireland are warning that the €20 million reduction in this year’s allocation from the government for the forestry sector is a warning sign, the Irish Independent reported.

Norra Timber continues to invest in its sawmill in Hissmofors, Sweden, with up to SEK 150 million (US$14.12 million) being spent in three separate stages.

The bioproduct mill will produce 1.5 million tons of softwood and birch pulp per year. The pulp will be used to manufacture numerous renewable products.

Södra announced that prices were raised for saw logs and small-diameter sawable ranges on October 21st, and a new tool is being introduced to increase security for forest owners.