According to data released on Thursday by the USDA Foreign Agricultural Service, the US exported 694,199.7 metric tons of wood pellets in November. This is down from 750,989.2 metric tons in October and down year-over-year from 764,259.6 metric tons in November 2021.
News in international markets
New Zealand Farmers Push Back Against Afforestation Plans
A group of New Zealand farmers is trying to raise $45 million (NZD) (£25m) to purchase a large North Island farm, or station, from being purchased by overseas investors to prevent it from potentially being turned into a carbon forest. The 5000ha Mangaohane Station is a livestock farm.
Belarus to Increase Rail Shipments to China
The Belarusian Telegraph Agency (BelTA), Belarus’ largest news agency, reported on Thursday that the country is increasing freight shipments to China via rail.
Russia Extends Prohibitive Duties on Soft and Hardwood Rough Lumber Through 2025
On Friday, Russia extended its prohibitive export duties on soft and hardwood rough-sawn lumber with moisture content in excess of 22%, which has been used as cover for exporting unprocessed timber, for three years until December 31, 2025.
Australia’s Home Prices Suffer Largest Annual Decline Since 2008
According to CoreLogic, Australia’s housing market in 2022 experienced its largest annual decline since 2008, as sharp interest rate hikes weakened home buyers purchasing power and turned off would be investors.
Finland’s Carbon Sinks Shrinking Due to Increased Tree Harvesting
A report released on Wednesday by the Natural Resources Institute of Finland (LUKE) has confirmed that the land use sector in Finland has changed from a carbon sink into a source of emissions. The report concluded that the primary reasons are intensifying felling and slowing growth.
Stora Enso Strengthening Focus on Specialized Pulp Grades
Stora Enso announced on Tuesday that it was strengthening its focus on specialized pulp grades by investing €38 million in unbleached kraft pulp (UKP) production at its Enocell site in Finland and €42 million in fluff pulp production improvement at its Skutskär site in Sweden.
Significant Progress Reported in Western Australia’s Softwood Timber Estate Expansion
The competitive real estate market in Western Australia has not slowed the acquisition of land needed to expand the country’s western softwood timber estate. In September 2021, the government announced a record $350 million (A$), 10-year investment in the expansion of the State’s softwood plantation timber estate.
New Zealand Announces Its Forestry and Wood Processing Industry Transformation Plan
New Zealand’s Forestry Minister Stuart Nash announced on Monday the Forestry and Wood Processing Industry Transformation Plan (ITP). Nash says the ITP will increase wood processing in the country and grow a low-carbon, high value timber industry.
Brazilian Exports of Wood-Based Products Decline Month-Over-Month and Year-Over-Year in October
According to the International Tropical Timber Organization), in October Brazilian exports of wood-based products (except pulp and paper) declined 16% in value year-over-year. The total value fell from US$371.6 million in October 2021 to US$313.1 million in October 2022.