Finnish timber industry faces stiff competition in North African market

The Finnish timber industry is grappling with increased competition from Russian exports in the North African market, a repercussion of European sanctions against Moscow, according to Tino Aalto, President of the Finnish Sawmill Industry Association.

Speaking to Talouselämä, Aalto highlighted how the European sanctions have forced Russian timber exporters to seek alternative markets, significantly impacting Finnish timber exports.

“Russian sawn timber is finding new markets. While Europe has imposed strict sanctions, the situation is different elsewhere. Russian timber is now moving into markets that are crucial for Finnish companies, such as North Africa, Japan, and China,” he explained.

This shift has intensified competition in the North African market, traditionally a stronghold for Finnish timber exporters.

“The competition has become fiercer in the North African market,” Aalto noted, reflecting the challenges faced by Finnish sawmills.

Finland currently produces 10.5 million cubic meters of sawn timber annually, with 8.5 million cubic meters

designated for export. This marks a slight decrease from 2021 when the production volume was 12 million cubic meters per year.