Forest Products Industry

A new, UK-based trade association focused on biomass heating was launched in June. The Wood Fuel and Heating Association aims to provide a clear, informed and responsible voice for the UK wood fuel and heating sector. Biomass Magazine “Wood fuel and biomass heating already support homes, businesses and industry across the UK while also contributing to forestry management, rural employment and the wider transition towards low-carbon heat,” the group said in a statement. “Despite this, the sector has historically lacked a single coordinated body focused on representing those interests consistently, constructively and with practical industry expertise. “WFHA has been created to help address that need and to powerfully advocate the benefits of the sector,” the organization continued. The WFHA will represent organizations across the UK wood fuel and heating sector supply chain, including wood fuel producers; wood fuel suppliers and distributors; boiler and appliance manufacturers; installers, engineers and maintenance providers; equipment suppliers; landowners; commercial and industrial heat users; and professional and advisory organizations. According to the WFHA, it will represent members’ interests in the areas of air quality and emissions policy; renewable heat and energy policy; sustainability and fuel standards; the future role of sustainable wood heating on the UK; biomass boiler standards; and training, skills and job creation.

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Kesla has expanded its range of accessories for harvester heads by introducing the new BB360 rotator, enabling unlimited rotation without traditional movement restrictions. The solution responds to the growing demands for efficiency, productivity, and machine utilisation in forestry operations, as well as to increasingly demanding working conditions. Source: Timberbiz The BB360 rotator eliminates the restrictions related to hose routing between the boom and the harvester head, which have traditionally limited the working area and increased the risk of hose and control cable damage. These challenges have often led to unplanned downtime and additional maintenance costs. Similar types of solutions are in use among other harvester head manufacturers in various configurations, and the concept has proven to be reliable in demanding field conditions. The new rotator solution enhances working efficiency and allows operators to focus on what matters most, as there is no longer a need to constantly monitor the orientation of the harvester head in relation to energy transfer and cabling. This enables smoother and more uninterrupted work, even in challenging environments. The KESLA BB360 rotator is manufactured in Finland and is currently available installed on KESLA 24RH-III and 26RH-III harvester heads. Availability will be expanded in the future to meet customer needs across different markets.

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China remains one of the world’s major importers of softwood logs and lumber, but its softwood sawlog imports have declined significantly in recent years. According to ResourceWise’s Wood Market Prices (WMP), China’s softwood sawlog import volumes in 2025 were less than half their 2021 peak and were down 17% year-over-year. Source: ResourceWise The decline reflects both weaker demand and changes in global supply. While there are forecasts for improvement in China’s construction market in 2026 or 2027, the WMP report indicates there is limited evidence that this will lead to a rapid or substantial increase in sawlog imports. The main factor behind the decline has been reduced demand from China’s construction sector. The country’s real estate crisis began after several major developers collapsed in 2021. This reduced demand for construction timber over the following years. Some forecasts suggest China’s construction market may begin to improve this year or next, supported by infrastructure spending and urban renewal. However, any recovery is expected to be gradual. A stronger construction market could support higher timber demand, but import volumes are unlikely to return quickly to the levels seen in 2021. Supply-side issues have also affected China’s softwood sawlog imports. Russia’s log export ban, reduced supply from Germany following spruce bark beetle damage, and China’s temporary ban in 2025 on US log imports all changed the flow of logs into China. New Zealand is China’s largest supplier of softwood sawlogs. In 2025, it supplied more than 75% of China’s total softwood sawlog imports. Canada was the second-largest supplier. China has accounted for around 85% of New Zealand’s softwood sawlog exports between 2017 and 2025, rising to more than 90% in the past two years, according to the WMP report. However, New Zealand’s export volumes may decline in the coming years as planted radiata pine forests reach maturity, and harvest volumes fall. This could affect future availability and pricing for China’s sawlog imports. China is also increasing its use of engineered wood products, including cross-laminated timber and laminated veneer lumber. These products are supported in part by domestic green construction policies and the development of local manufacturing capacity. This shift may influence future demand for imported sawlogs. Many engineered wood producers in China use a mix of domestic plantation wood and imported logs, but changes in product use and supply costs could affect how much imported material is needed. Overall, China’s softwood sawlog import market remains shaped by weaker construction demand, changing supplier availability, and evolving wood product use. While construction activity may improve, current conditions do not point to a fast return to peak import levels. To learn more, download our full market insight report, Understanding the Factors Behind China’s Declining Sawlog Imports. The report can be accessed here: https://www.resourcewise.com/report-understanding-the-factors-behind-chinas-declining-sawlog-imports?hsCtaAttrib=215567099932

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