The Swedish economy weakened considerably during the course of the year. Industry production fell following weak exports and domestic demand. Especially hard hit was the telecom sector. Despite increased private income through reduced taxes and increased income transfers, consumers held back spending. Opinion polls show increased favour for Sweden joining the European Monetary Union, which in turn have had a strengthening influence on the currency.
Key indicators, percentage change from previous year:
| 2000 |
2001 | ||
| GDP Consumer prices Open unemployment * Exports Private consumption *as percentage of labour force |
|
3.6 |
1.0 |
The production of white pulp during the last quarter of 2001 was 883 000 tonnes, an increase of 6 percent compared to the same period in 2000. However, this year's total production of white pulp was 3.3 million tonnes, a decrease of 3 percent. Total pulp production reached 3.7 million tonnes.
Capacity utilization was 90 percent, compared to 97 percent in 2000.
The fall in exports of white pulp in 2001 was 2 percent, while exports of total pulp declined by 3 percent. Domestic deliveries of white pulp decreased by 5 percent in 2001.
There were changes in deliveries to the major markets during 2001. Deliveries to Germany, France and Italy fell by 14.7 percent and 11 percent, respectively. Deliveries to Asia and Eastern Europe continued to rise during 2001.
At the end of December, producer inventories of white pulp amounted to 355 000 tonnes.
The paper and board production in 2001 reached 10.5 million tonnes, a decrease of 2 percent or down 252 000 tonnes compared to last year's figure.
Production of paper in the fourth quarter, 2.6 million tonnes, was higher than the two previous quarters.
Capacity utilization was 93 percent, compared to 97 percent in 2000.
Total deliveries in 2001 declined by 3 percent to 10.3 million tonnes compared to the previous year. Domestic deliveries fell by 6 percent to 1.6 million tonnes.
Exports for 2001 were 8.7 million tonnes, a fall of 3 percent or 243 000 tonnes compared to 2000.
Exports of graphic grades in 2001 were 4.3 million tonnes, a decline of 6 percent compared to last year. Wrapping paper fell by 7 percent, while exports of folding boxboard increased by 6 percent. Exports of case materials where unchanged.
Deliveries to the major markets of the United Kingdom and Germany fell by 3 percent and 7 percent, respectively. Exports to North America and Asia increased in 2001.
The slowing down of the European economy, which started towards the end of 2000, was reflected in the pulp and paper market throughout 2001.
The recovered paper collection rate was 65 percent.
The production of sawn timber decreased slightly by 0.2 million m3 to 16 million m3. Exports decreased by 2 percent to 11 million m3. The exports outside Europe continued to rise and constituted 21 percent of total exports.
Exports of forest industry product increased by 2 percent to 110 billion SEK in the year 2001 compared to 2000.
Investments in the pulp and paper industry in Sweden reached 7 billion SEK in 2001 and are predicted to decline to 6 billion SEK this year. Investments in the sawmill industry amounted to 2.4 billion SEK in 2001, with a slight decline foreseen for this year.
According to the most recent capacity survey, paper and board capacity will increase by 140 000 tonnes to 11.14 million tonnes in 2002. Market pulp capacity will increase by 50 000 tonnes in 2002.
The Parliament decided in March on a Swedish climate strategy. The emissions of greenhouse gases should decrease by 4 percent in the period 2008-2012 compared to 1990. The target shall be reached without taking into account sinks or flexible mechanisms. The measures to fulfil the target are mainly aimed at information. Another important measure is local climate investment programmes. A follow-up procedure is to take place in 2004.
The industry's view is that sinks as well as flexible mechanisms have to be taken into account.
The Parliament also decided about the ratification of the Kyoto Protocol provided that the burden sharing agreement within the European Union is legally binding and that the ratification process in the European Union follows the same timetable.
Together with environmental and social interests, the Swedish forest industry took part in the development of a national Swedish FSC-standard (Forest Stewardship Council). The Standard was agreed upon in 1997. Since the endorsement of the standard in 1998, all forest-owning companies in Sweden have decided to follow the standard. The forest owners did not take part in the FSC-agreement. Instead, they participated in the development of a national PEFC standard (Pan European Forest Certification). This resulted in a situation with two different certification-standards in Sweden.
All parties realised that this was a difficult situation. To overcome the differences between the standards, the forest owners, the industry and the two major environmental organizations in Sweden agreed to participate in a project to develop a bridging document between the standards.
The project was called the Stock Dove, as a symbol for peace in the woods. In December 2001, the parties agreed on the content of the Stock Dove. The purpose of the bridging document is that the PEFC standard in combination with the Stock Dove shall equal the FSC standard, and vice versa. The Stock Dove has now been presented to the PEFC and FSC councils. After endorsement of the Dove in the councils, it is hoped to reach equity between the standards so the timber flow from both systems can be used by the industry.
Fore more information please contact Katrin Heinsoo (Tel No +46 8 762 72 42)
E-mail: [email protected]
