Global timber market review #4-2015

– Germany’s woodworking machinery industry is expecting solid sales growth in 2015, but downturn is expected in Russia.

– Raute’s net sales amounted to €94.0 million in 2014, up 13%.

– John Deere’s global forestry sales in 2015 are expected to hold steady with the attractive levels of 2014.

– After the test period the new Schweighofer glulam plant in Radauti (Romania), worth €14 million, received JAS certificate and started beam production for the Japanese market.

– Södra and Statkraft have signed a cooperation agreement to start a jointly-owned company for the future production of second-generation biofuel.

– Swedish company Norra Timber will continue investments in its sawmills in the north of Sweden.

– As the Swedish exports to Morocco are on the increase, the shipping company Seago Line (an affiliate of Maersk) is about to establish a new service to Casablanca and Agadir. The route will start from St. Petersburg.

– China will stop commercial logging in natural forests in three stages by 2020.

More detailed review of global market trends of roundwood, lumber, wood panels and pellets as well as news of the Russian timber industry; exclusive articles and interviews; over 25 pages of price charts are available in our digital Russian Timber Journal.