Exports from Finland's forest industry reached Euro 3.16 billion in the third quarter of 2024, marking a 15% increase compared to the same period in 2023, according to the Natural Resources Institute Finland (Luke). Key contributors to the export value included paper (22%), cardboard (29%), pulp (21%), lumber (16%), and plywood (4%).

In September 2024, the forest industry export value amounted to Euro 0.97 billion, which was 2% less than the previous year’s monthly average in real terms. Lumber exports rose by 17%, while the pulp and paper industry’s export value declined by 6%.

In September, Finland imported 0.43 million m3 of wood, 4% more than the average monthly import volume in 2023. Pulpwood imports increased by 19%, and log imports surged by 35%. However, chip imports fell by 2%, and other wood imports dropped by 49%.

For the third quarter, total wood imports reached 1.37 million m3, 74% higher than in the corresponding period last year but down 1% from the second quarter of 2024. Of these imports, 68% were pulpwood, 21% were chips, and less than 2% were sawlogs.

The wood product industry contributed Euro 0.76 billion in Q3 exports, reflecting an 18% year-on-year increase but a 16% decrease from Q2 2024. Lumber exports rose by 30% in value and 14% in volume compared to Q3 2023, while plywood exports increased by 9% in value and 19% in volume.

The pulp and paper industry’s export value rose to Euro 2.40 billion in Q3 2024, up 13% compared to the same quarter in 2023 and nearly 2% higher than Q2. Paperboard exports alone accounted for Euro 0.91 billion, showing a 22% increase year-on-year.