Finnish forest industry production increased by 15% in the first quarter, new figures reveal.
Preliminary data released by the Finnish Forest Industries Federation (FFIF) shows that production was worth €4.3bn, of which €800m was generated in the wood products industry and €3.5bn in the pulp and paper sector.
Volumes and value rose in all of the main product categories.
Forest industry production and export volumes were lower than estimated in March because of the two-week stevedore strike.
About 2.3 million m³ of sawn timber was produced in the first quarter, a 25% growth on a year ago, while panel product output rose by 23% to 210,000m³.
“How well the key export markers bounce back from the deep economic slump will determine how the recovery of the Finnish forest-based sector will continue,” said the FFIF.
“Finnish companies have undergone an extensive structural change to improve their competitiveness and are now stronger actors across than they were before the recession. The importance of cost management will, however, continue to increase.”
