Production in Swedish saw mills decreased by 9 % last year. The
primary reason is that demand for sawn timber in Europe decreased by
20-25 %. However, Swedish sawmills have increased their market share
for example in Great Britain and in North Africa. The main reason is
the low exchange rate of the Swedish crown, SEK. Aggregate exports of
Swedish saw mills increased somewhat in 2009 compared with the previous
year.
Production of pulp for sale
decreased by 9 %. Stocks decreased by half in the course of the year
and exports increased somewhat. Demand for pulp in China increased, but
it decreased on other markets.
Deliveries of paper products to China also increased. Demand on other
markets was weak, but because of increased deliveries to that country
aggregate exports decreased by only 5 %. European paper consumption
decreased by 10 %. Production in Swedish paper mills decreased by 7 %.
