July-September overview: Forest industry production continues to grow in Finland

"Forest industry companies have already done lots to improve their profitability. Costs have been cut, structures trimmed and unprofitable capacity shut down. The effort to improve profitability will continue, but the strengthening of Finnish competitiveness will in future very much depend on matters related to the domestic operating environment."

"The industry exports almost all of its production, and international competition determines prices on export markets. The cost burden of Finland's export sector will, however, continue to grow next year when gradual increases to energy and waste taxes start to take effect. The labour costs shouldered by the forest industry will also become heavier because companies pay a substantial portion of the wages of other industrial sectors through their extensive purchases of production inputs. The collective labour agreements negotiated within the forest-based sector have been very moderate, for which the employee side is also to thank," Jaatinen says.

Further information:

Timo Jaatinen, Director General, Finnish Forest Industries Federation, tel. +358 9 132 6600

Internet: www.metsateollisuus.fi

Finland is the world's sixth-largest producer of pulp, paper and paperboard in addition to being one of Europe's largest producers of sawn timber.

The forest industry directly and indirectly employs almost 200,000 Finns. The industry's multiplier effects extend broadly into surrounding society and up to 500,000 Finns are affected by the economic footprint of the forest-based sector.

Finland has a unique opportunity to pioneer the bioeconomy thanks to the abundant forest resources, sustainable forestry practices and the first-rate expertise and competence of the forest cluster as a whole.

Communications contact:
Helena Aatinen, Communications director, tel. +358 9 132 6645, mobile +358 40 548 6675