Metsä Group reports sales growth and strengthening of the tissue business in the third quarter of 2025

Finnish company Metsä Group released its financial results for January–September 2025, reporting sales of EUR 4.5 billion, up from EUR 4.3 billion in the same period of 2024. Despite the increase in sales, the company posted an operating loss of EUR 63 million, compared to a positive EUR 157 million a year earlier.

In the third quarter (July–September), sales totaled EUR 1.44 billion, compared with EUR 1.34 billion in Q3 2024, while the operating result stood at –EUR 69 million. EBITDA declined to EUR 64 million, reflecting the impact of weak pulp prices and lower cartonboard demand, particularly in the U.S. market.

Conversely, the tissue paper business improved both year-on-year and quarter-on-quarter, supported by higher delivery volumes and lower costs. Metsä highlighted the start-up of its new tissue mill in Mariestad, Sweden, which began customer deliveries during the quarter.

 

The company’s net cash flow from operations was positive at EUR 216 million, compared with –EUR 165 million in the previous year, showing better capital efficiency.

Metsä Group also announced a EUR 300 million annual cost-saving program, which may lead to the permanent reduction of 800 jobs, mainly in Finland.

CEO Jussi Vanhanen noted that the group continues to face a challenging market environment marked by “global trade protectionism, low pulp prices, and weak cartonboard demand in the U.S.” However, he emphasized that the tissue segment’s solid performance demonstrates resilience within the company’s portfolio.