Timber sales almost back to normal

Timber sales in Finland got off to a sluggish start at the beginning of 2010, but livened up considerably as summer approached. The storms experienced towards the end of summer contributed to the increase in sales, especially in the worst affected areas. The closure of a temporary tax break also boosted supply as the year neared its end.Pulpwood and log purchase volumes both doubled from 2009, with log procurements rising to 14 million cubic meters, and pulpwood purchases to 18 million cubic meters.Last year, the average stumpage prices of pine and birch pulpwood rode 11–15 percent and spruce pulpwood two percent. IThe average stumpage price of pine and birch pulpwood was 16 Euros per cubic meter, while spruce pulpwood cost 18 Euros per cubic meter.