Due to the Frosts in January, the Price of Firewood Increased

Currently, moderate frosts in Latvia improve opportunities for logging; however, a decrease in prices in the industry is not anticipated yet, said the Chairman of the Board of the Latvian Association of Independent Loggers (LANL) Andis Arax to the LETA agency.

Frost facilitates access to logging sites, especially when moving along gravel roads, explained Arax.

At the same time, he pointed out that in swampy logging areas, the influence of autumn rains is still felt, as the soil has only frozen on the surface.

Arax added that when the air temperature drops below -25 degrees Celsius, the operation of machinery in logging in the eastern part of Latvia may be hindered.

According to him, the most optimal temperature for logging work in winter is at moderate frost, from -5 to -15 degrees Celsius.

He also emphasized that the longer moderate frost lasts, the more logging sites that were previously difficult to develop will become accessible.

Arax noted that in January, there is an increase in prices for certain types of wood products — for example, for balance, sleepers, and spruce logs. Additionally, due to the frosts in January, the price of firewood has increased.

He stated that prices in the industry have also been affected by a severe storm in Sweden at the end of last year, but this influence will not be immediate. The consequences of the storm will only be felt in a month or two, and changes in prices for balance may only be noticeable in March or April.

Arax emphasized that there are currently no signs of price reductions in any segment.

He also pointed out that the export market is very volatile and unstable, with several competing countries trying to sell products at lower prices than Latvian companies. At the same time, it is positive that many large producers in the industry in Scandinavia reduced their production volumes at the end of last year, which gives hope for increased demand in the market; however, overall, Arax does not expect a breakthrough in the industry.

According to him, compared to the beginning of last year, the situation in logging has improved now, aided by a greater number of potential partners for cooperation.

The Latvian Association of Independent Loggers (LANL) was registered in 2003, and its goal is to represent the interests of loggers, wood processing, and related industries, as well as to protect the rights of its members in government institutions and representations in Latvia and abroad. Currently, the association has 46 members.