According to the International Tropical Timber Organization, Brazilian exports of wood-based products (except pulp and paper) in August 2022 declined 2% in value compared to August 2021, falling from US$412.6 million in August 2021 to US$404.6 million in August 2022.
News in international markets
14,000-Hectare Softwood Plantation Proposed in the State of Victoria, Australia
The Australian Associated Press is reporting that the State of Victoria’s government will invest $120 million (AUD) in a soft timber plantation in the state’s southeast. Hancock Victorian Plantations will match the spending to buy, lease, and manage more than 14,000 hectares of softwood plantation.
Finland Targets Wood as a Major Building Component as It Moves Towards Carbon Neutrality
In Finland, wood is a readily available building material. As a result, there is a growing trend to use wood in buildings throughout the country. It is also in step with efforts to achieve carbon neutrality by 2035.
Firewood Shortage in France: Cost of Logs Up 20%, and Pellet Costs Have Tripled
In France, firewood shortages are escalating and so have prices, which are up more than 20% since June. The increase is the result of increasing demand, as more people enter the market amid fears over the price of other fuel sources.
Norra Skog to Invest SEK 300 Million in Its Kåge, Sweden, Sawmill
Norra Skog’s board of directors announced on Tuesday it was investing SEK 300 million ($27.3 million USD) in its sawmill located in Kåge, Sweden, north of Skellefteå.
Energy Crisis and Inflation Send EU Consumer Sentiment to New Record Low
A monthly gauge issued from the European Commission fell to -28.8 for September. That was in excess of analysts’ predictions of a -25.5 decline and has resulted in consumer confidence in the Euro-area sinking to its lowest level on record.
World’s Tallest Hybrid Timber Building Coming to Sydney, Australia
Tokyo-based Obayashi Corporation and Sydney-based Built Pty Ltd. have started work on a 182-meter-tall (597 feet) skyscraper in central Sydney. The project is part of a partnership to build what will be the world’s tallest hybrid-timber building using an eco-friendly wood product.
Sweden’s Setra to Invest in Its Own Pellet Plant at Its Långshyttan Glulam Factory
Setra, one of Sweden’s largest wood products companies, announced on Friday that it intends to invest in its own pellet production plant at its factory in Långshyttan. In a statement, the company says the investment is strategic and will increase the value of bioproducts, as well as reduce transportation and CO2 emissions.
Belarus Seeks Alternatives to Overcome Sanctions on Timber and Wood Products
Belarus’ export program is now being reoriented towards the domestic market—which in turn has required a major restructuring of the timber industry market, with losses in profitability and additional administrative costs being borne by the heads of regional governors.
China’s Home Prices Decline at an Accelerated Pace in August, Marking 12th Consecutive Drop
According to data released by China’s National Bureau of Statistics, new-home prices in 70 cities, excluding state-subsidized housing, dropped 0.29% month-over-month in August. The decline marks the twelfth consecutive month of price depreciation.