The Finnish roundwood trade in October 2024 saw significant growth, with trade volumes exceeding the previous five-year average by nearly 50%. According to the Natural Resources Institute Finland (Luke), cumulative timber trade from January to October increased by 16% compared to 2023 and 21% above the five-year average. Delivery sales prices for pulpwood reached unprecedented levels in the monthly statistics initiated in 1995.

Standing sales prices stabilize while delivery sales prices rise

In October, standing sales prices for softwood logs remained stable compared to September. The average price for spruce logs stood at just under Euro 82 per cubic meter, while pine logs averaged just under Euro 79. Birch log prices increased slightly by 1% to Euro 66 per cubic meter. These prices reflect a real-term rise of approximately 10% compared to last year’s averages.

For pulpwood in standing sales, prices also held steady. Spruce pulpwood averaged close to Euro 34 per cubic meter, while pine and birch pulpwood prices hovered around Euro 32. These figures represent a 23–25% increase over last year.

Delivery sales prices for pulpwood experienced significant growth. Spruce pulpwood reached Euro 53 per cubic meter, birch Euro 52, and pine Euro 51, marking a 12–14% increase compared to 2023. These prices are the highest recorded in the monthly statistics since 1995, with comparable annual levels last seen in the early 1990s.

Trade volumes surpass previous records

October’s roundwood trade volumes were exceptionally high, surpassing 2023 levels by two-thirds and the five-year average by almost half. The only October with a higher trade volume was in 2018. From January to October 2024, cumulative trade volumes rose 16% year-on-year. Trade in logs exceeded the five-year average by 23%, while pulpwood trade grew by 14%.

Source:  Luke