According to the International Tropical Timber Organization (ITTO), in July 2022 Brazilian exports of wood-based products (except pulp and paper) declined in value when compared to 2021, falling from US$465.6 million in July 2021 to US$430.8 million in July 2022.
News in international markets
Canfor Announces Reduced Operations at Its Swedish Facilities—Effective September 12, 2022
Canfor Corporation announced today that effective September 12, it intends to reduce operations at its Swedish facilities due to a decrease in market demand. The reduced operating schedule will result in a 15% decrease in production capacity and the reduction is anticipated to remain in effect through Q4 2022.
Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Members Move to Strengthen Sustainable Forest Management
Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) ministers responsible for forestry are calling for greater cooperation between their members to help curb deforestation and further biodiversity loss, as the region increases its fight against climate change and advances action for a sustainable future.
Putin Warns Forest Fire Conditions in Russia Could Deteriorate Further
Russia’s forest fire season, which has been becoming more damaging due to climate change, traditionally lasts throughout the summer. Ryazan region on Monday, declared a state of emergency with fires covering a 9,000-hectare area, causing smog in nearby Moscow.
Ireland’s “Project Woodland” Strategy Draws Ire From Irish Tree Farmers
The independent “Project Woodland Regulatory Review Report” was to look into the forestry regulatory system in Ireland and explore whether improvements could be made to the licensing system, while working within the parameters of Irish and EU environmental laws, as well as increase the number of trees being planted.
Södra Wood Announces Production Adjustment to Better Align Production With Customer Demand
Södra Wood announced on Monday that, while it still expects the long-term prospects for the use of sustainable building materials to remain strong, the company is now anticipating weaker demand for wood products in the short term due to increasing inflation and higher interest rates in both Europe and the US.
New Zealand’s “Industry Transformation Plan” Could be Forest Products Industry’s Turning Point
New Zealand’s Wood Processing Industry Transformation Plan sets out ambitious targets for exporting more finished wooden products, increased wood construction domestically, and a huge transformation from oil and coal fuels/materials to wood-based sources instead.
Big River Group Announces Its Expansion With Acquisition of Timberwood Panels
Big River Group announced on Friday that it has expanded its national network and has increased their architectural product offering with the acquisition of specialty manufacturer Timberwood Panels. Big River Group noted that the purchase of Timberwood Panels is consistent with Big River’s strategy for geographical and segment growth.
European Wildfires on Pace to Set Record Forestland Losses in 2022
Citing data provided by the European Forest Fire Information System (EFFIS), the AFP News Agency reported on Sunday that approximately 660,000 hectares (1,630,000 acres) of land have been ravaged by wildfires since January 1st through August 13th, 2022.
US Commerce Department Rules That Vietnam Circumvented Hardwood Plywood Duties Using Chinese Core Materials
The US Department of Commerce has preliminary determined that hardwood plywood (HWPW) assembled and exported from Vietnam to the US used Chinese core materials. The agency ruled that the HWPW are subject to significant antidumping and countervailing duties that could be as high as 200%.