world news - 18.10.2004

Production by Russian timber sector up 3.6% in first 9 months of 2004

Russian timber, timber-processing and pulp and paper industry production increased 3.6% in first 9 months of 2004 compared with the prior period in 2003, the Federal Statistics Agency reported. Production increased 1.6% in September 2004 compared with the prior period in 2003 and up 3.7% compared with August 2004.

Logs removal reduced 4.1% to 76.3 million dense cub m in first 9 months of 2004. Sawn timber production – down 0.3% to 14.9 million cub m, market pulp – down 2.1% to 1.8 million tons. Plywood production – up 13.9% to 1.7 million cub m, particleboard – up 13.7% to 2.6 million conv sq m, paper – up 3.1% to 2.9 million tons, cardboard – up 5.5% to 2.2 million tons.

Russian timber sector production index was 106.5% in first 9 months of 2004 compared with the prior period in 2003, 103.5% in September 2004 compared with September 2003.

Lesprom

• — New MDF-Plant in Poland - 15.10.2004
• — Finnish producer prices were up 1.6% in September - 19.10.2004
• — Timber cargo loading by Russian Northern railways up 5.3% in first 9 months of 2004 - 14.10.2004
• — Plywood supply in Japan rose in July by 11% - 20.10.2004
• — PTT’s forecast for the Finnish forest sector 2004-2005 - 12.10.2004