Veolia has launched the world’s largest biorefinery project which will be producing CO2-neutral bio-methanol from a pulp mill located in Finland. Although almost completely unexplored to date, the project will allow for the unlocking of the potential of this alternative source of feedstock for biofuel.
News in international markets
EU Poised to Expand Sanctions on Russia, Including Wood Import Ban
The European Commission is proposing a fifth package of sanctions against Russia, Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said on Tuesday (4-5-22). The package would expand sanctions on Russian banks, block Russian vessels from EU ports, ban targeted exports and imports, and prohibit participation of Russian companies in public procurement.
Brazilian Exports of Wood-Based Products Increased 45% Year-Over-Year in February 2022
According to the International Tropical Timber Organization (ITTO), the value of Brazilian exports of wood-based products in February 2022 (excluding pulp and paper) increased 45% in value compared to February 2021 (from US$284.8 million to US$413.9 million). Pine sawnwood exports grew 48% in value year-over-year.
China’s Evergrande Group Says Work Has Resumed at 95% Of Its Projects
The Pearl River Delta business unit of China’s Evergrande Group announced in a posting on Saturday (4-2-22) via the developer’s official WeChat site that construction work has resumed at 95% of Evergrande’s projects across the country as of late March. The post says that work has resumed at 734 developments in all of China.
Verso Corporation Merger with BillerudKorsnäs AB Receives Federal and State Regulatory Approval
Verso Corporation announced on Tuesday (3-29-22) that it has received all of the necessary approvals from the Nuclear Regulatory Commission and the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin to complete its previously announced merger with BillerudKorsnäs AB, a Swedish pulp and paper company.
Koskisen Oy Investing in Kärkölä, Finland Sawmill
Koskisen Oy has entered into a supply agreement with Hekotek AS for new sawmill equipment to be delivered to their new wood processing unit in Kärkölä, Järvelä, Finland. Koskisen’s production facilities in Järvelä form Finland’s biggest mechanical wood processing integrates, where almost 100% of the wood raw material is used in its own processes.
Domestic Producers Could Benefit From a Proposed 50% Tariff on Imported Birch Plywood From Russia
Legislation passed last week by the U.S. House of Representatives would end “normal trade relations” with Russia and have a long-lasting trade impact if the proposed 50% tariffs on imports of birch plywood were to be put into effect. If signed into law, the Decorative Hardwoods Association said that this would create challenges for importers and potential opportunities for domestic manufacturers.
UK Government Imposes Additional 35% Import Tariffs on Russian and Belarusian Products
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
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.