The Government of the United Kingdom (UK) has acted to deny access to the Most Favored Nation tariff for hundreds of Russian and Belarus exports, which in turn deprives them of key benefits of WTO membership. A new tariff will impact all wood products currently paying duty—such as plywood or OSB—but will also include non-dutiable products
News in international markets
Fire Insurance Unaffordable for Most Australian Plantation Timber Growers
Still recovering from the Black Summer bushfires, the Australian timber industry continues to face a multitude of issues and insurance, or the lack thereof, is just one of many. After the east coast bushfires of a couple of years ago, plantation fire insurance rates tripled or quadrupled.
German Sawmilling and Timber Industry Association Calls for Increased Use of Local Wood Resources
With Germany facing major raw wood and energy challenges due to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Germany’s Sawmilling and Timber Industry Association (DeSH) is calling for the country to begin planning on ways to end its dependency on fossil and imported resources, especially in regard to the energy sector.
Versowood Group to Purchase Kissakoski Sawmill from Veisto Oy
Versowood Group, Finland’s largest private sawmill and processor, has announced that it has entered into an agreement to purchase the business, equipment, and buildings of the Kissakoski sawmill owned by Veisto Oy. The transaction expected to be completed and close by July 2022.
Potential Solution to UK’s Housing Shortage: Offsite Timber Construction With OSB Panels
Members of the UK’s House of Commons recently received a research briefing on ways to address the growing housing shortage in England. Members were told that an estimated 340,000 new homes would be needed each year to meet the growing demand. Offsite timber frame construction could be the solution for housebuilders.
Koskisen Group to Discontinue Russian Sawing Operations and Stop Importing Sawn Goods and Logs From Russia
Koskisen Group, a Finland based, family-owned company found more than a 100-years ago, has announced that it has decided to discontinue its operations in Russia. According to the news release, the company will close out its Russian’s sawing operations and stop importing sawn goods and logs from Russia.
Estonia’s Trade Associations Seek Tree Felling Relief During Russia–Ukraine War
A joint communique sent to Estonia’s Prime Minister Kaja Kallas from the Estonian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the Estonian Employers’ Confederation, and the Trade Unions Confederation reads, “The war in Ukraine and the necessary sanctions it has caused have left Estonian companies short on materials that is mainly a risk for the forestry and timber sector and companies therein.”
Russia Bans Export Sales of Wood and Wood Products to “Unfriendly” Countries
According to the Ministry of Industry and Trade of Russia, Russia will ban the export of wood and wood products to countries from “unfriendly” states, including the U.S. and the EU countries, until the end of 2022. The ministry notes that the ban will ensure the needs in the domestic market for affordable raw wood.
E.U. Timber Industry Trade Groups Foresee Timber Shortages Due to Russia’s Invasion of Ukraine
A meeting of the main European trade bodies for the timber industry, CEI-Bois and EOS ended with the groups recognizing that Russia’s invasion of Ukraine poses a real threat to peace and security in Europe while direct consequences on the timber business should be expected.
Imminent Tightening of European Wood Supply Chain Due to Russia’s Invasion of Ukraine
In a statement, the European Federation of Wooden Pallets & Packaging Manufacturers (FEFPEB) expressed “its deep sympathies and support for the people of Ukraine” and noted that, as an organization, it supports sanctions against Russia for its invasion of Ukraine, as well as against Belarus due to its support of Russia.