The coronavirus pandemic has increased demand for certain forest industry products, such as tissue paper and packaging material. However, that lower demand for printing paper and early-year labour disputes have reduced the production and export volumes of Finnish forest industry products.

Key uncertainties in the forest industries’ end product markets are associated with how quickly the coronavirus pandemic can be controlled and the economic situation returns to normal. Uncertainties are also associated with the results of Brexit negotiations and global trade policies. In the long term, the pandemic may change consumption habits, which will both increase and reduce demand for different Finnish forest industry products.

Production volumes of sawnwood will decrease from the previous year

Finland's exports of sawnwood to China are already recovering, while export volumes to North Africa and Europe have decreased. In Europe, there is a lack of demand in sawnwood markets, as construction is decelerating. Furthermore, sawnwood processed from damaged wood from Central Europe will keep the supply of sawnwood high and reduce market prices.