ECUADOR - In the first half of 2024 (6M-2024), Ecuador saw an increase in imports of decor paper for wooden panels, reaching a total value of USD 16.44 million. This represents an 8.7% rise compared to USD 15.12 million during the same period in 2023. Spain remained...
Inter Ikea Group Acquires Ikea’s Retail Operations in the Baltics
NETHERLANDS - Inter Ikea Group has agreed to acquire Ikea retail operations in Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania, including three full-size stores, five smaller customer points, e-commerce, and Digital Retail Development. The deal, subject to regulatory approval, is set...
Better Than Expected 2Q-2024 Results for The Home Depot
USA - The Home Depot, the world's largest home improvement retailer, reported second-quarter fiscal 2024 (2Q-2024) sales of USD 43.2 billion, up 0.6% from 2Q-2023. This includes USD 1.3 billion from the recent acquisition of SRS Distribution Inc., representing about...
Novopan Recognized for Good Forestry Practices
ECUADOR - Novopan, a leading Ecuadorian company in high-quality wooden panel manufacturing, has been awarded the Good Forest Practices for commercial forestry plantations recognition by the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock. This makes Novopan the first company in...
Arauco Reports Strong First Half 2024 Results
CHILE - Arauco, a global leader in the forestry and wood products sector, has reported positive financial results for the first half of 2024, highlighting a strong recovery and growth in both revenue and profitability. For January to June 2024, Arauco achieved sales...
Ecuador Sees 5.4% Drop in Particleboard Exports in 6M-2024
ECUADOR - Ecuador's exports of particleboard / MDP recorded a decrease in the first half of 2024 (6M-2024). The total value of particleboard exports in 6M-2024 fell to USD 99.4 million, representing a 5.4% decrease compared to the same period in 2023 (6M-2023: USD...
Sauder Publishes 2023 Sustainability Report
USA - Sauder Woodworking Co., North America's top producer of ready-to-assemble (RTA) furniture and one of the leading residential furniture manufacturers in the U.S., continues to demonstrate its commitment to environmental responsibility. In 2023, Sauder’s...
EU’s New Environmental Standards Are Shaping the Wood Industry
BELGIUM - The EU's new sustainability regulations are significantly affecting industries both within and beyond its borders. The wood industry, in particular, is facing increasing pressure to adopt sustainable practices in wood production, processing, and sales. While...
Raute Completes Full Acquisition of Hiottu, Plans Merger
FINLAND - The Board of Directors of Raute, a global leading maker of veneer, plywood and LVL technologies, has approved a plan to merge its wholly-owned subsidiary, Hiottu Oy, into Raute Corporation. The merger is set to take place on December 31, 2024. Raute first...
IWF 2024 Lived Up To Expactations
USA - The International Woodworking Fair (IWF), which concluded earlier this month, attracted a global audience of professionals from various segments of the woodworking industry. Held at the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta from August 6 to 9, the event was a...
Lowe’s Reports Second Quarter 2024 Results
USA - Lowe's, one of the largest global home improvement retailers, reported weaker-than-expected sales in the 2Q-2024 and reduced its full-year outlook due to a slowdown in spending on major home improvement projects. The company attributed the sales decline to...
Kronospan Expands with KS Terminal Acquisition
LATVIA - In early July, SIA Kronospan Riga acquired KS Terminal, the fourth-largest cargo terminal at the Port of Riga. This move strengthens Northern European operations of Kronospan and creates new growth opportunities. By late July, the Kronospan cargo ship...