Finland has experienced a significant increase in imports of foreign timber in recent years. This development is mainly through ports, which has changed the way timber is imported. Although most of the timber used in Finland is still of domestic origin, the importance of imported material has increased considerably. This change is the result of a number of economic and geopolitical factors that have influenced how and where timber is imported into Finland.
Most of the timber imported by Finland comes from Estonia, Latvia and Sweden. These countries have taken on a key role as suppliers of raw materials to the Finnish forest industry. In the past, Russia was by far the largest source of timber, but a geopolitical change that began about three years ago cut off imports of raw timber from our eastern neighbour. This has increased the pressure on other suppliers of industrial and forest products from neighbouring countries to fill the vacuum left by Russia's withdrawal from the market.
The Baltic States and Sweden now account for around 90% of the Finnish forest industry's timber imports, highlighting the importance of logistical routes and port operations between the two countries. Much of the timber arriving in Finland is transported by sea, aided by the increase in port capacity and operational efficiencies in recent years. Finnish industry and logistics companies have had to adapt to new conditions as Russian imports have ceased, which has put pressure on the development of both land routes and ports.
The remaining 10% of foreign timber imports come from various European countries. Specialist researcher Pirjo Venäläinen of Metsäteho oy confirms that although the Baltic countries and Sweden have become more important, there are still other European timber suppliers that are part of the Finnish forest industry's raw material repertoire. Metsäteho oy, which studies, among other things, the availability of wood, has focused in particular on how domestic and foreign wood is integrated into the needs of the Finnish forest industry.
The end of Russian timber imports has had a significant impact, particularly in South-East Finland, where timber that used to cross the eastern border was an important part of the industry's raw material supply. Timber trains that used to cross the border have almost disappeared and have been replaced by alternative routes. Today, substitutes are being transported by road or new rail routes serving other importing countries.
The shift away from imported timber from Russia has required Finnish logistics and forest industry companies to adapt quickly and adopt new strategies. Sea transport has become a key part of import arrangements, which has increased the importance of local ports. As Russia's influence has weakened, the region's industry has invested heavily in new infrastructure solutions to ensure the long-term balance and stability of timber flows.
Changes in this logistical environment have opened up space for innovation and new business models. Companies in South-East Finland have developed new approaches, such as partnerships with transport and logistics companies, to secure timber supply more efficiently in a changing market environment. Despite major changes, the Finnish forest industry has managed to adapt and maintain its position as a major player in international markets.
