The fourth quarter saw Finland import 24% fewer logs from Russia compared to a year ago, says Wood Resource Quarterly.
The total decline in imports of conifer sawlogs was close to 45%, while Finnish sawlog harvests were down an estimated 22%. Hardwood log imports were down 28%.
Wood Resource Quarterly says Finland is unlikely to increase Russian imports again soon, despite the postponement of Russian duties, as several major Finnish companies have either cut back on their presence in the country or closed their offices there.
Log consumption in Finland was substantially lower in 2008, with total harvests dipping by 7% and log deliveries from small private landowners 25% lower than 2007.
The weakness in the euro led to a 17% price decline in conifer sawlog prices.
