News in international markets

China imported 4.865 million cubic meters of timber in April, down 6.8% year-over-year, although US log shipments surged 78%, Interior Daily reported.

Forest fires linked to the war in Ukraine have destroyed 165,000 hectares and caused more than US$22.6 billion in damages, UNN reported.

Interest in Swedish pine dimensional lumber for structural applications is growing as sawmills and builders seek greater flexibility in raw materials.

Germany’s timber industry business climate indicator improved slightly in April, although companies remained pessimistic about the next six months.

Spanish cooperatives LANA and Etorki merged to expand radiata pine processing and raise annual sawn timber capacity to 300,000 cubic meters.

Canfor subsidiary Vida AB will permanently close two sawmills in southern Sweden, reducing annual lumber production capacity by 265,000 cubic meters.

Finnish forest owners offered more than 1,000 hectares for voluntary protection through the Metsä Conservation Foundation’s first application round.

US wood pellet exports totaled 1.1 million metric tons in March, up from 608,572 metric tons in February, the USDA and Biomass Magazine reported.

Sveaskog lowered softwood and hardwood pulpwood purchase prices by 40 SEK/m3fub nationwide, citing uncertain market conditions.