Russia has been expanding the export of processed wood products to a diverse set of markets across North Africa, the Middle East, and parts of Central and Southeast Asia. This trend was highlighted by Denis Manturov, who heads the Russian Ministry of Industry and Trade, during a formal discussion with President Vladimir Putin. The comments were reported by TASS, the Russian news agency. The shift underscores a strategic effort to diversify export destinations and strengthen the country’s role in the global timber and wood products trade.
The scope of export growth covers a broad spectrum of wood goods beyond raw timber. In discussions about overseas sales, the portfolio includes timber, plywood, paper products, cardboard, and cellulose—covering the full value chain from raw materials to finished and semi-finished products. The ministry framed these exports as part of a coordinated push to expand international market access, tapping into demand for durable and versatile wood-based solutions across residential, industrial, and packaging sectors. This expansion aligns with Russia’s broader industrial export strategy and the aim to leverage domestic production capabilities to meet global demand.
As part of the plan to lift exports, Manturov noted the role of logistics subsidies that help offset transport costs for forest industry shipments. In 2022, the volume of support and subsidies related to logistics efficiency reached 8 billion rubles, a figure that reflects sustained government attention to smoothing cross-border trade and enhancing the competitiveness of Russian wood products. The subsidies are intended to lower the cost of delivering goods to distant markets, improve delivery times, and reduce the overall logistics burden on exporters, thereby making Russian timber and related products more attractive on international shelves.
Another factor contributing to higher shipment volumes, according to Manturov, has been the strategic decision to increase the number of container trains heading east to service industry needs. This logistical expansion helps to streamline the movement of goods from Russian production centers to Asian and other eastern markets. The freight expansion supports a more integrated supply chain, enabling faster replenishment of stock for importing partners and increasing the reliability of Russian wood products as a dependable source for regional manufacturers, builders, and retailers.
Recent industry reports cited by TASS through the press service of the Union of Enterprises of the Furniture and Woodworking Industry of Russia indicate mixed dynamics in 2022 for domestic wood product output. Specifically, plywood production declined by 29 percent compared with 2021, while chipboard production fell by 12 percent in the same period. These declines point to broader sectoral challenges, including shifts in domestic demand, inputs pricing, and external market pressures. The leadership statements emphasize that while production volumes faced setbacks, efforts to expand export markets and improve logistical support remain central to sustaining the industry’s long-term growth and resilience. The regional and sectoral implications of these trends are examined by policymakers and industry groups as they assess strategies to rebound from the 2022 dip and capitalize on opportunities in new export corridors, with ongoing monitoring of market conditions and capacity investments. (Source: TASS)