The average prices of all roundwood assortments increased in June, according to Natural Resources Institute Finland (Luke).

In standing sales, pulpwood prices increased by five percent from May, corresponding to an increase of at least one euro per cubic metre.

The increase in log prices in standing sales and in delivery sale prices of pulpwood was of a similar magnitude in euro terms, but smaller in percentage terms.

Roundwood trade was more active than in May. Nevertheless, the volume purchased in June remained almost one-fifth below the average for the previous five Junes.

During the first half of the year, the volume purchased was nearly one-fifth lower than in the corresponding periods of recent years.

The average standing sales price of spruce logs increased to nearly EUR 84 per cubic metre in June, up one percent from May.

The price of pine logs rose by two percent to more than EUR 78 per cubic metre, while the price of birch logs exceeded EUR 64.

Standing sales prices of all pulpwood assortments increased by five percent during the month. The price of spruce pulpwood rose to nearly EUR 26 per cubic metre, pine pulpwood to almost EUR 24, and birch pulpwood to more than EUR 24.

Delivery sale prices of pulpwood also increased. The price of birch pulpwood showed the largest increase, exceeding EUR 44 per cubic metre. More than EUR 42 was paid for spruce pulpwood and about EUR 40 for pine pulpwood.

In June, 11 percent more industrial roundwood was purchased from private forests than in May.

The purchase volume in June was 11 percent higher than a year earlier. However, it remained 17 percent below the average for the previous five years.

The cumulative roundwood trade volume for January–June was 21 percent lower than a year earlier and 18 percent below the average for the previous five years.

Compared with the previous five-year average, purchases of logs were 18 percent lower, and purchases of pulpwood were 24 percent lower.

Purchase volumes of spruce logs and spruce pulpwood declined less than those of the other tree species.

Sources:  Luke