Swedish sawmiller Norra Timber says it sees both new opportunities and some challenges in the next six months.
Norra marketing manager Erik Eliasson described trade dynamics as a changing market, pointing to global interest rate cuts and declining inflation as increasing demand for wood products.
“At the same time, production is slowing down in North America, where several sawmills are being shut down in British Columbia,” he said.
“This, combined with raw material shortages and high costs, points to rising prices in 2025.”
Mr Eliasson said Swedish production of wood products will decrease to approximately 17–17.5 million m3 in 2024.
“Stocks of spruce are declining sharply, while pine is increasing – creating new export opportunities. Exports to the United States are increasing sharply and are expected to become Sweden’s second largest export market.”
Mr Eliasson said Increased demand and better export opportunities benefit Swedish sawmills, especially in the US market
Norra Timber operates three modern sawmills, plus three processing units and a utility pole factory. Its total production amounts to nearly 800,000m3 of sawn timber, 155,000m3 of planed timber, approximately 60,000 turned pine poles and 275,000 bales of wood shavings per year.
Some 60% of its timber is exported to countries around the world.
