Finland’s forests generated record-high stumpage revenues in 2025, highlighting the continued importance of the forestry sector to both regional economies and the national export industry.
According to the Natural Resources Institute Finland (Luke), total revenues from timber sales reached approximately EUR 3.7 billion during the year, representing a real increase of 3% compared with 2024.
Most of the income went to private forest owners across the country, helping to support economic activity in many forestry-dependent regions.
Forestry remains vital to regional economies
The forestry sector is one of Finland’s most important economic pillars, covering everything from forest management and harvesting to transportation, industrial processing and exports.
In several regions, forest industries remain the largest source of industrial employment and account for a substantial share of local jobs.
- Stumpage revenues provide direct income to forest owners and are reflected in consumption, investments and demand for services throughout Finland. Forests play a major role in maintaining the vitality of many regions, said Sami Oksa, Forest Director at the Finnish Forest Industries Federation.
Private forest owners dominate revenues
According to Luke, private forest owners accounted for approximately 84% of total stumpage revenues in 2025, equivalent to around EUR 3.1 billion.
The highest revenues were recorded in the regions of North Savo, North Karelia and Central Finland, where forestry continues to play a particularly significant economic role.
Rising timber prices boosted income
The record year was driven largely by strong timber trading activity during the first part of 2025 and persistently high timber prices.
In particular, sawlog prices increased significantly. Real prices for both pine and spruce sawlogs were well above average levels seen in recent years, resulting in higher returns for forest owners.
However, rising raw material prices also increase costs for the forest industry.
- High timber prices are naturally positive news for forest owners, but the forest industry competes in international markets where production costs are often lower. In the long term, a competitive raw material cost structure is also in the interest of forest owners, Oksa noted.
One of Finland’s most important export industries
The forest industry remains one of Finland’s most valuable export sectors.
Annual export revenues amount to approximately EUR 12–13 billion, representing nearly one-fifth of Finland’s total goods exports.
Beyond exports, the forestry value chain generates billions of euros in tax revenues each year and contributes significantly to public finances.
Stability remains crucial
The Finnish Forest Industries Federation believes the record year demonstrates both a well-functioning timber market and the continued economic importance of Finland’s forests.
At the same time, the organisation emphasises the importance of maintaining stable and predictable operating conditions for both forestry and forest industry companies.
According to the federation, the long-term success of the sector depends on ensuring that the entire value chain—from forest owners to export-oriented manufacturers—remains competitive.
“When the entire forestry value chain functions effectively, it creates jobs, investments and tax revenues throughout Finland,” Oksa concluded.
Sources: Natural Resources Institute Finland (Luke), Finnish Forest Industries Federation
Facts:
Stumpage revenues in 2025: EUR 3.7 billion
Increase compared with 2024: 3% (real growth)
Share received by private forest owners: 84%
Income to private forest owners: EUR 3.1 billion
Employment in the forestry sector: Approximately 80,000 people
Annual export value: EUR 12–13 billion
Share of Finland’s goods exports: Nearly 20%
Leading forestry regions: North Savo, North Karelia and Central Finland.
