The European Commission issued a Statement of Objections (Aug 26) on the proposed UPM–Sappi 50/50 graphic paper joint venture, which would combine UPM's Communication Papers business with Sappi's European graphic paper operations across 12 mills; regulators warn the tie-up could raise magazine paper prices (PaperAge, Wood Central)
Update: The Howe Sound mill is expected to be idle by mid-October, with the shutdown attributed to low-cost southern-hemisphere eucalyptus hardwood pulp undercutting softwood kraft, and it is the fifth Domtar-acquired B.C. mill to cease production (Wood Central)
Valmet will supply the first commercial-scale 3D molded fiber line to Metsä's Äänekoski mill in Finland, producing plastic-replacing trays, plates, and food packaging (PaperAge)
Forestry & Timber
Lumber futures fell below $580 to ~$572.50/mbf (down ~11% from July's $640+ peak) after Canada–US trade talks collapsed ahead of the weekend deadline, ending hopes of removing the 10% Section 232 lumber tariff; weak US housing data added pressure (Timber Industry News)
B.C. forestry is in the "absolutely worst situation" it has ever faced, per industry commentary citing the latest US tariffs, sharply reduced timber harvest, and high operating costs amid ongoing curtailments and the Howe Sound closure (Timber Industry News)
Russian lumber exports to China fell instead of the forecast sevenfold rise, per Aug 27 analysis; Japan is also buying less Russian lumber and no glulam at all (Wood Central)
