Russian sawn timber exports decreased by 20.9% in the first quarter of this year to 4.5 million cubic meters. The decline in sales occurs against the backdrop of international sanctions and trade restrictions imposed by Western countries against the Russian Federation. informs The newspaper “Kommersant”, with reference to the statistical data of analysts “Roslesinforga”.
“In the first quarter of 2023, timber exports decreased by 20.9% compared to the same period of the previous year and became 4.5 million cubic meters. The main products supplied abroad were boards and beams made of pine, spruce and larch. The decline in the first quarter repeats the dynamics of the whole of 2022 as a whole, after which overseas deliveries decreased by 22% (23.4 million cubic meters), according to the agency.
Prior to the introduction of trade restrictions, European Union (EU) countries were seen as one of the main importers of Russian sawn timber. They accounted for one-fifth of all exports of these products from the Russian Federation. However, Roslesinforg director Pavel Chashchin explained that EU sanctions that came into effect on July 10, 2022 have changed the structure of Russia’s timber imports.
“The main timber supply now goes to 15 countries in the Middle East as well as Central and East Asia. <….> “Partial easing of phytosanitary restrictions in China has once again allowed timber traders to re-establish trade with their main trading partners.”
February 11, Denis Manturov, head of the Ministry of Industry and Trade of Russia declaration On increasing the supply of Russian processed wood to the countries of North Africa, the Middle East, Central and Southeast Asia. We are talking about selling abroad, including timber, plywood, paper, cardboard, cellulose.