world news - 12.02.2009
Swedish forestland prices rise
Swedish forestland prices increased last year despite turmoil in financial markets and a slowdown in construction.
The Nordic Forest Owners’ Association said average prices in 2008 rose by ˆ2 to ˆ34 per m³ – a 6% growth on the previous year.
Average forest prices have increased by 84% since 2003, as investors have viewed forests as stable assets which appreciate in value. High demand for forestry investment and a lack of forestland to buy has also contributed to price rises.
However, prices in 2009 are widely expected to fall.
See also:
- — Storms create crisis for French forestry
- — Making poplar popular
- — European Union plan to hit illegal logging said unclear, costly
- — Timber from Russian ship washes up on UK shores
- — Reduced timber felling in Norway in 2008