Paper & Pulp Mills
UPM to temporarily curtail Kaukas pulp mill for about six weeks from August 3 UPM will halt pulp production at its Kaukas mill in Lappeenranta, Finland, starting August 3 for roughly six weeks, and is also weighing a temporary shutdown at Pietarsaari in October. The company says the curtailments are intended to "optimise production levels and wood sourcing, and to ensure profitability" amid challenging market and cost conditions. Sources: Fordaq · Paper Advance
Greif raises prices for URB and packaging products Greif will lift uncoated recycled paperboard prices by $60 per short ton for orders from July 6, with tube, core and protective packaging products rising a minimum of 6.5% from July 13. The company cited higher input and transportation costs as well as strengthening market demand. Source: Paper Advance
Forestry & Timber
US ITC votes to keep duties on Chinese wood mouldings and millwork Following a five-year sunset review concluded June 12, the U.S. International Trade Commission determined that revoking the antidumping and countervailing duty orders would likely lead to continued or recurring material injury to the domestic industry. Duties therefore remain in place on products including skirting boards, crown mouldings and door frames. Source: Fordaq
Wood Pellets
Louisiana enacts bill backing wood pellet manufacturing Update: The measure, HB 670 (Act 664), takes effect August 1, 2026, and directs Louisiana Economic Development to support the recruitment, retention and expansion of wood pellet manufacturing facilities through job incentives, workforce training, port coordination and clearer regulatory pathways. Source: Fordaq
Senate Ag Committee releases draft Farm Bill with biomass loan program revamp The Senate Agriculture Committee's "Farm Bill 2.0" discussion draft includes a major overhaul of the Section 9003 loan guarantee program, including language allowing grants of up to $10 million for certain eligible projects — a provision watched closely by wood energy and biomass developers. Source: Biomass Magazine