News in international markets

PF Olsen and Forest360 merged to form Stand Forestry, New Zealand’s largest independent forestry manager.

BrasPine plans to invest $250 million in a new sawmill in Rivera, Uruguay, using locally sourced pine.

European wood-based panel production rose 3.0% to 59.6 million cubic meters in 2025, while consumption also increased 3.0%, the European Panel Federation and Timber Trades Journal reported.

Stora Enso will suspend operations at its Veitsiluoto sawmill in Kemi, Finland, in August, with layoffs expected to last until the beginning of October.

Metsä Wood completed statutory negotiations in Finland and Estonia, reducing 100 positions and reorganizing operations affecting 72 employees.

MEDITE SMARTPLY will invest €75 million in its Clonmel, Ireland, MDF facility, upgrading infrastructure and transitioning fully to renewable biomass.

Total UK timber and panel imports fell 1.3% in Q1, as softwood, hardwood plywood, particleboard, MDF, and LVL gained but plywood and OSB declined, TDUK reported.

Unilin Panels plans to invest more than €100 million to upgrade its Oostrozebeke particleboard facility, with operations expected by 2029.

Brazilian exports of wood-based products totaled US$312.3 million in April, down 1.8% from a year earlier, ITTO reported.