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According to import and export data from the Finnish Institute of Natural Resources (Luke), Finland's timber trade experienced an unprecedented surge in May this year, reaching the highest level on record for that month. The year-on-year growth of 66% and the increase in log trade of 33% are shocking.

According to Huacheng Import and Export Data Observation, the soaring prices reflect a significant increase in demand and limited supply in the Finnish timber market. The average price of spruce logs in May was 78.8 euros per cubic meter, while the average price of pine was 75.1 euros per cubic meter, an increase of 5-7% compared to the same period last year.

Pulp wood is still on the rise, with an average price increase of 6-8% compared to the previous month, with birch showing the greatest change in growth. The average price has increased to 28.3 euros per cubic meter, while the average price of pine trees has increased to 27.4 euros per cubic meter, according to Huacheng Import and Export Data Observation.

According to the Huacheng Import and Export Data Observation, however, due to the reduction of long-term raw material supply, the increase of timber costs and low profitability, the Finnish timber giant Stora Enso recently announced that it would take extensive restructuring actions: it would reduce 1150 employees, close the N ä pi sawmill in Estonia, and close the paper product production lines in Finland, the Netherlands and Poland. The plan will focus on sawmills with strategic growth opportunities to enhance the competitiveness of their overall wood products business. Finland's wood trade volume is not expected to experience significant fluctuations in the second half of the year, according to Huacheng Import and Export Data Observation.