Södra, the international forest industry group, which is owned by more than 53,000 forest owners, announced that pending the approval by the Swedish Competition Authority, it is acquiring Ture Johanssons Trävaru AB and AB Tenhults Impregneringsverk.
News in international markets
Timber Prices Soar in China Soar as COVID-19 Dramatically Limits Timber Imports
The COVID-19 pandemic has sent timber prices in soaring in China. It has also created major supply chain pinch points as timber imports into the country have dramatically slowed. According to a report from the China News in December, China is the world’s largest importer of timber and the second-biggest timber consumer.
Brazilian Exports of Wood-Based Products Increased 30.5% Year-Over-Year in February 2021
According to the International Tropical Timber Organization (ITTO), the value of Brazilian exports of wood-based products (except pulp and paper) in February 2021 amounted to $282.0 million (USD), an increase of 30.5% when compared to February 2020, when they were valued at $216.1 million USD.
Red Stag Timber Weeks Away from Opening New CLT Plant in Rotorua New Zealand
Red Stag Timber, an independent and privately owned timber company based in Rotorua, New Zealand, has announced it is weeks away from opening a new $50 million (A$) wood processing plant in Rotorua. The plant will produce cross laminated timber (CLT).
Japan’s Housing Starts Decline Further in February
According to data released by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transportation and Tourism on Wednesday, March 31, 2021, Japan’s housing starts continued their decline in February. Year-over-year housing starts in Japan decreased -3.7% in February.
Metsä Fibre Updates Construction Progress at New Rauma Finland Sawmill
Metsä Fibre, a part of Metsä Group, is reporting that the foundation stone has been laid and work continues at the site of their new sawmill in Rauma, Finland. Due to the coronavirus all of the stonework was done without any external participants.
New Zealand’s Sawmills Struggling to Keep Up with Increasing Domestic Demand
According to the New Zealand Timber Industry Federation (NZTIF), a flourishing domestic timber market for residential building and outdoor use has the countries lumber mills struggling to keep up current demand. One producer has gone so far as to completely stop supplying structural timber to some retailers. To meet the surge in domestic demand, some mills are diverting timber set for export back into domestic use.
Irish Forestry Industry Continue to Wait for Relief in Timber Felling License Crisis
Timber processors, forestland owners, contractors and forestry companies in Ireland have been struggling for the past two year to obtain felling (timber cutting and road access) licenses which has led to both supply and employment problems. This as the markets for sawn timber at home and in the UK are good because of shortages from traditional lumber suppliers.
Even with Increased Production Australian Sawmills Struggle to Keep Up with Soaring Demand
The Australian Forest Products Association (AFPA) continues to reassure builders and homeowners that they are doing everything possible to supply as much construction timber to meet soaring demand. AFPA CEO Ross Hampton said that the domestic timber industry supplies around 80% of the timber used in home construction and has ramped up production to keep up with the record demand.
Russia Turns to Timber to Ease Reliance on Oil and Natural Gas Exports
Russia is looking for a way to lower its economic reliance on oil and natural gas exports, which currently makes up almost 50% of the country’s total export volume. It is also looking for a way to improve its environmental image in the world as well. Russian timber is preparing to take the lead on both the economic and environmental fronts.