Finland’s increased timber products expert figures show that demand for timber is set to grow, according to FRA.

Seattle, United States, February 23, 2012 — Finland’s increased timber products expert figures show that demand for timber is set to grow, according to Forestry Research Associates (FRA).

The research and analysis consultancy was responding to figures showing that Finland’s forestry industry exports rose by 4 per cent last year, and the value of the industry increased to EUR 20.8 billion.

FRA added that the increase reflects analysts’ views that the demand for timber in China, India and other growing economies, is huge and will continue to grow. Indeed, demand will start to exceed supply, driving up timber process and proving profitable for those with cash invested in forestry, according to many experts.

FRA also cited other factors like the increase in damage from the Pine Beetle in Canada and the rise in taxed on timber export in Russia, that could lead to greater demand from Europe, South America and the US.

Timo Jaatinen, the Director of the Finnish Forest Industries Federation, said that they must keep control of the forestry industry from a domestic point of view. “The forest industry’s products count among Finland’s most significant export articles and they are central to the maintenance of national prosperity,” he stated.

FRA’s analysis partner, Peter Collins, said that encouraging investment in sustainable forestry management is important for the future of the industry around the world. “Putting money into sustainable forestry projects in countries like Costa Rica and Brazil, help to ensure that the industry can provide a living for generations to come.

“It also helps to protect native forests through the growth on plantation trees for felling and export, while native forests can remain unscathed.”

FRA support projects such as Greenwood Management‘s plantation project in Brazil that grows teak, eucalyptus and other non-native species for the production of timber and charcoal. Charcoal is in high demand in the Brazilian steel industry, which is expanding in preparation for the World Cup and the Olympics later this decade.

About Forestry Research Associates

Forestry Research Associates is a research and advisory consultancy that focuses on forestry management, sustainability issues and forestry investment around the globe.

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