Finnish wood trade in July maintained high prices, with delivery sales seeing ongoing increases, although standing sales experienced a pause in price growth. According to the Natural Resources Institute Finland (Luke), timber trade volumes surged, reaching levels 50% higher than the five-year average. Cumulative timber trade volumes from January to July were 6% above last year's figures and 19% higher than the five-year average.

In standing sales, spruce logs averaged just under Euro 83 per cubic meter, and pine logs remained near Euro 80. These prices were over 10% higher than last year's average in real terms. Birch logs held steady at Euro 67. Pulpwood prices in standing sales also plateaued, with spruce above Euro 34 and birch and pine around Euro 33, ending up 24-28% higher than in 2023.

Delivery sales of pulpwood continued to rise, with spruce nearing Euro 53 and birch and pine just below Euro 52 per cubic meter. Prices increased by 2-3% from June, ultimately standing 10-14% higher than last year.

While July saw a typical seasonal slowdown in timber trade, volumes still far exceeded usual levels. Trade volumes doubled compared to July last year, surpassing the five-year average by 50%. Logs traded in January-July were 22% higher than the five-year average, while pulpwood trades were up by 11%.

In June, roundwood harvest rises 4% in Finland, but trails five-year average. Finland's imports of pulpwood contracted significantly by 38% in the first half of 2024, while wood chips imports saw a modest 4% increase.

Source: Luke