Finland’s Keitele Group is reporting that the “temporary slowing” in the demand for lumber and wood products—which started in June of 2022—continues with no immediate relief in sight. Keitele cites the war in Ukraine, rising interest rates, expensive energy, and the overall global economic situation.
News in international markets
Chile’s Forest Fire Season Second Worst in Recent History
With hot and dry weather conditions expected to continue through the week, Chilean firefighters are battling out-of-control forest fires. The current forest fires already have the distinction of being the deadliest in the country’s recent history and have the potential of becoming even more deadly, according to a report by Reuters.
Pfeifer Holding GmbH Completes Acquisition of Finland’s Pölkky Oy
The Austrian Pfeifer Holding GmbH announced on Tuesday that it has successfully completed the acquisition of the largest private wood process company in northern Finland, Pölkky Oy. The contract had been waiting on the competition authority’s approval, and that has just been secured.
Brazilian Exports of Wood-Based Products Declined in December
According to the International Tropical Timber Organization, in December, Brazilian exports of wood-based products (except pulp and paper) declined 34.0% in value compared to a year ago, falling from US$423.2 million in December 2021 to US$278.8 million in December 2022.
Holmen Announces Investment in Its Bygdsiljum, Sweden, Sawmill to Increase CLT Production
Sweden’s Holmen announced on Tuesday (1-31-23) that it was planning an extension and investment at its Bygdsiljum Sawmill, which will help remove bottlenecks at the facility and increase CLT production.
South Africa’s SA Forestry Co. to Prioritize Log Supplies to Local Processing Companies
In response to sustained high demand for logs that continues to outpace supply, South Africa’s third largest state-owned enterprise, the SA Forestry Company (Safcol), has vowed to prioritize the supply of logs to companies that process local and employ local people.
Södra Announces Timber Price Hikes
Södra Skogsägarna, trading as Södra, a forestry cooperative based in Växjö, Sweden, announced on Thursday that it was raising the price of mainly normal spruce and pine timber purchased by members by SEK 30 per cubic meter, effective immediately.
Timberlink Expanding Mill in Tarpeena, Australia
An investment of $90 million (A$) will fund the expansion of Timberlink’s Tarpeena, Australia, mill. The investment includes a $63 million manufacturing plant that will produce cross-laminated timber (CLT) and glue laminated timber (GLT) for the construction industry.
Fierce Dry Lightning Storm Sparks Dozens of Bushfires in Western Australia
On Monday, a fierce summer dry lightning storm struck southern Western Australia with an estimated 300,000 lightning strikes. As a result, dozens of bushfires have been sparked and a large response of firefighters and emergency crews, aided by aerial support, is currently underway.
Masisa S.A. Announces Exit From Argentina
Masisa S.A., a wood products company headquartered in Chile, announced on December 29, 2022, that it had liquidated all of its assets in Argentina and was immediately ceasing all of its operations there. Masisa S.A. indicated the liquidation was part of its strategic plan.