Finland is the second largest paper exporter in the world, meeting approximately 25 per cent of global paper demand. When they read their favourite newspaper, most Europeans hold a product of the Finnish forest industry in their hands. Finnish paper is also very popular for art printing. The forest industry exports sawn goods, plywood, and board.

1994 was a year of rapid growth for the forest sector. Both production and exports saw an upswing. According to estimates, exports grew some 12 per cent and the total value of exports was some USD 10 billion.

The main markets for the Finnish forest industry are western Europe, the USA and Southeast Asia.