Rising log prices challenge Finnish sawmills: a difficult equation for companies

The Finnish sawmill industry is feeling the pressure of rising log prices, which continue to outpace the increase in lumber prices, according to Sahateollisuus ry, the Finnish Sawmill Association. With little hope for improvement in final product markets by early next year, the industry is navigating a challenging economic landscape. In August, the stumpage price for logs was 18% higher than a year earlier, while export prices for lumber only rose by 5% over the same period, Sahateollisuus ry reported. “The high cost of logs combined with low prices in final product markets creates a difficult equation for sawmill ...