The Finnish Forest Industries Federation (FFIF) reported that the production of wood products, pulp and paper decreased in the third quarter of 2015, while the production of paperboard remained stable.
According to FFIF, pulp and paperboard production volumes have increased since the beginning of January, while the production of wood products and paper has decreased in the first three quarters of the year. Although investments in the sector have increased, cost pressures continue to be strong. This is why companies' cost competitiveness must be improved, FFIF said.
Production in the third quarter shrank across the forest industry, except in the paperboard sector. Paperboard production volumes continued to be as high as in July-September 2014, that is, at 720,000 tonnes.
Sawn softwood production totaled 2.4 million cubic metres, which is three per cent less than in the year-ago period.
At 1.7 million tonnes, pulp production was likewise three per cent below levels seen in July-September 2014. Meanwhile, paper production fell four per cent to 1.8 million tonnes.
“Finland's cost competitiveness must be supported with actions that will have a quick effect. Furthermore, wage agreements in the coming years must be moderate. Rigid collective agreements in effect prevent measures that could improve productivity and competitiveness locally,” says Timo Jaatinen, Director General of the Finnish Forest Industries Federation.
