Finnish mills are now having to produce an additional 10-15 million m3 of domestic wood a year to meet demand, with the increase in export duties on wood eminating from Russia and the competition for raw materials generated by a growth in the Finnish bioenergy sector other topics highlighted by the FFIF as issues for the sector.
However, FFIF has pinpointed a number of government-backed initiatives that are due to ease the pressure on the sector and help it remain competitive in the face of rising material costs.
“The new government programme includes several positive measures that will encourage wood production and increase the supply of mature stands,” said Anne Brunila, president and chief executive officer at the FFIF.
These measures are to include additional funds and resources for forest owners, the elimination of inheritance tax on agricultural and forest holdings and further measures to promote the use of wood in construction, according to Dr Brunila.
