Metsä Tissue reported FY 2009 operating profit of Euro 93 million

   Moscow. Feb 08, 2010. /Lesprom Network/. Metsä Tissue’s sales for January–December 2009 totalled Euro 890 million, with operating profit amounting to Euro 93 million, company said in a statement received by Lesprom Network.

Sales declined by -4% on the previous year as a result of adverse exchange rates (-3%) and lower sales volumes (-1%).

“Pulp prices continued to climb in the second half of the year. By the end of the year they were 25% higher than at the end of spring. The prices of pulp and other raw materials as well as transport costs are expected to rise further in 2010. Recovered paper is in growing demand both in Europe and as an export to Asia, which is likely to limit its availability and push up prices”, said Hannu Kottonen, CEO of Metsä Tissue.