HELSINKI: Finnish sawmills intend to increase their exports to global markets over the next three years. Close to 20 Finnish sawmills are taking part in the Wood from Finland growth programme launched jointly by Finpro and the Finnish Sawmills Association, as Koskisen Oy said in the press release received by Lesprom Network.
Koskisen Oy has also joined the export programme. The objective is to increase sawn timber exports by 500,000 cubic metres over the next few years and, in turn, positively influence Finland’s bio-products economy. The first phase of the Wood from Finland growth programme aims to boost sawn timber exports especially in Chinese markets. China is an interesting export market because of its dependency on imported timber.
“China is the world’s largest furniture manufacturer and exporter. In addition, a government programme that focuses on developing environmentally friendly construction is being launched in the country,” says Wood from Finland’s Program Manager Jyrki Mantere of Finpro. Last year, Finland exported more than 630,000 cubic metres of sawn timber to China. The total value of sawn timber exports is estimated at Euro 1.5 billion, which makes it Finland’s fourth largest export product.
“Traditionally, spruce sawn timber is shipped to South China and the Shanghai area. Hopefully, with the new export programme, new market areas in China will be found. New export markets for pine sawn timber will also be targeted,” says Jukka Tamminen, Koskisen’s export manager for spruce sawn timber.
