<p Lithuania faces a noticeable shortage of wood, a situation confirmed by officials from the Ministry of Environment. The issue has drawn attention from several European observers and is tied to broader sanctions and trade shifts in the region.
<p The situation stems from Lithuania's reliance on wood imports from neighboring Belarus and Russia, which have been interrupted by international sanctions. The interruption exposes vulnerabilities in the supply chain and raises questions about how Lithuania will secure sufficient raw materials for market needs and construction industries.
<p In response, the Ministry of Environment announced plans to reform timber export rules to control how much raw material can leave Lithuania and be sold to other European Union countries. Lithuania has been described as the last market in the region where wood can still be sourced, underscoring the urgency of ensuring a stable domestic supply. Officials noted that Latvia and Estonia have already tightened access to their markets.
<p The issue is part of a broader European context where several countries report reductions in wood imports from Russia and Ukraine. Industry observers point to this trend as a factor behind rising prices and tighter supply in multiple markets.
<p At the same time, Roslesinforga, a subdivision of the Russian forest agency, reported an uptick in sawn timber exports by about 10 percent in the first five months of 2022, despite sanctions. This detail highlights the uneven impact of sanctions on forest product trade and the ongoing adjustments within international supply chains.
<p In late February, leaders of major powers announced strategic actions in response to ongoing conflicts in the region. The resulting sanctions measures by the United States and allied nations have further complicated trade flows and added a layer of volatility for wood suppliers and buyers alike.
<p This evolving situation has been tracked by multiple regional and international outlets, reflecting a broad concern about how sanctions, market access, and geopolitical tensions intersect with natural resource availability for construction, manufacturing, and energy sectors.