Finnish log prices continued to fall in December 2025, extending a downward trend that began in early summer. According to official data, average stumpage and delivered prices for pine, spruce, and birch were significantly lower than the previous year, reflecting sluggish demand and heightened buyer caution across the Finnish roundwood market.
The average stumpage prices for spruce sawlogs fell to just under €78/m³, while pine sawlogs averaged slightly above €74/m³ — both representing a 1% decline from November. Birch sawlogs experienced the sharpest drop among sawlogs, down 6% month-on-month to approximately €59/m³. Compared to peak levels reached in June, prices are now down by around €10/m³ for pine and birch, and €8/m³ for spruce.
Finnish log prices under pressure
Price declines were even more pronounced in the pulpwood segment. In December, stumpage prices for spruce pulpwood dropped to about €26/m³, while pine and birch pulpwood both fell to approximately €24/m³ — a decline of 4% to 6% compared to November. Since June, average national pulpwood prices have decreased by more than €10/m³. In relative terms, pine and birch pulpwood are now down over 30%, while spruce pulpwood has fallen by roughly 28%.
Delivered pulpwood prices followed the same trend. In December, spruce pulpwood fell below €46/m³ on delivery, while pine and birch pulpwood averaged just over €43/m³. Compared to June levels, this marks a decrease of over €10/m³ for pine and birch and more than €8/m³ for spruce.
Market data from official sources
Official trade statistics published by the Natural Resources Institute Finland confirm the decline. December saw industrial roundwood purchases from private forests drop by 28% year-on-year and by 27% compared to the five-year average. Monthly volumes have consistently underperformed since May. Preliminary figures suggest that total roundwood trade for 2025 fell 19% compared to 2024 and was 9% below the five-year average.
| December 2025 (€/m³) | MoM Change (%) | YoY Change (%) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standing Sales | |||
| Pine sawlogs | 74.28 | -1 | -3 |
| Spruce sawlogs | 77.78 | -1 | -3 |
| Birch sawlogs | 59.07 | -6 | -9 |
| Pine pulpwood | 23.99 | -5 | -21 |
| Spruce pulpwood | 26.12 | -6 | -20 |
| Birch pulpwood | 23.76 | -6 | -24 |
| Delivered Sales | |||
| Pine pulpwood | 43.10 | -4 | -14 |
| Spruce pulpwood | 45.75 | -5 | -11 |
| Birch pulpwood | 43.41 | -5 | -14 |
Impact on industry activity
These declines in Finnish log prices and volumes have affected operational planning across the industry. Sawlogs at lower prices pressure profit margins for forest owners and sawmills, while pulpwood declines impact pulp producers and bioenergy suppliers. The ongoing contraction signals that supply chains are recalibrating in response to reduced production needs and higher cost sensitivity.
Supply and volume implications
Lower prices were accompanied by weaker procurement activity. December’s trade volumes indicate cautious buying behavior and tighter control of raw material intake. With pine and birch pulpwood down more than 30% in six months, companies are likely prioritising low-cost fibre and adjusting inventory strategies in line with reduced processing output.
Outlook for Finnish log prices
As 2026 begins, there is little indication that Finnish log prices will recover in the near term. Demand remains subdued and weather-related constraints may further dampen harvesting activity. Market sentiment continues to reflect restraint, particularly in pulpwood procurement, where price corrections have been most severe.
