Metsä Tissue’s sales for 2009 totalled 890 million Euros (930), with operating profit amounting to 93 million Euros (42). Sales declined by four percent on the previous year as a result of adverse exchange rates (-3 percent) and lower sales volumes (-1 percent).“Pulp prices continued to climb in the second half of the year. By the end of the year they were 25 percent higher than at the end of spring. The prices of pulp and other raw materials as well as transport costs are expected to rise further in 2010. Recovered paper is in growing demand both in Europe and as an export to Asia, which is likely to limit its availability and push up prices”, said Hannu Kottonen, CEO of Metsä Tissue.