NORRA SKOG CONTRACTED VOLUME has reached a new high for 2025, with the Swedish forest owners’ association concluding agreements for a total of 3.9 million cubic metres of roundwood under bark (m³fub). This marks a notable increase from the 3.6 million m³fub contracted in 2024, highlighting a growing trend among member forest owners to engage in advance contractual commitments.
Norra Skog strengthens advance wood contracting
The contractual model enables forest owners and Norra Skog to agree in advance on harvest scheduling and commercial conditions. This approach supports long-term coordination and provides enhanced planning security for both forest owners and the association. For Norra Skog, this structure facilitates effective harvest management, logistics planning, and consistent supply to downstream industrial operations.
Improved value chain synchronisation
According to Patrik Jonsson, Head of Forest and Wood at Norra Skog, the expansion of NORRA SKOG CONTRACTED VOLUME contributes significantly to better alignment across the forestry value chain. The model strengthens operational foresight for all actors involved—forest owners, contractors, transport providers, and industrial clients—by supporting earlier coordination and clearer timetables.
Record volumes despite operational disruptions
The record contracting level was achieved during a year marked by operational challenges. A mild autumn affected soil conditions in certain areas, and a higher incidence of appeals concerning harvest permits further complicated planning efforts. These disruptions reduced site accessibility, interfered with timber flows, and made it more difficult for contractors to maintain stable operations.
Rising demand for complementary forestry services
Despite adverse conditions, overall activity levels at Norra Skog increased in 2025 compared to the previous year. In parallel, the association observed a rise in demand for additional forest management services, including road maintenance, forest economics advisory, and real estate brokerage.
Ensuring supply continuity for Norra Timber
Norra Skog owns Norra Timber, a processing group whose sawmills rely on stable raw material supply. Entering 2026 with a larger NORRA SKOG CONTRACTED VOLUME enhances production planning capability at a time when raw material availability remains inconsistent in some Nordic regions.
Anticipated contracts as a risk management tool
Norra Skog positions advance contracting as a strategic response to uncertainty, rather than a short-term volume maximisation tool. The association anticipates that long-term coordination and planning will continue to be essential as regulatory, climatic, and market conditions evolve.
