The Russian government has announced a three-year extension of its elevated export duties on several key wood products, with the measures now set to remain in effect until December 31, 2028. The decision, confirmed by the cabinet's press service, applies to coniferous sawnwood, valuable hardwood sawnwood, and lumber.
Policy Objectives and Background
Officials stated that the core aim of the prolonged tariffs is to continue restricting the export of raw and semi-processed timber-sometimes disguised under other commodity codes-and to ensure a stable supply of raw materials for domestic wood processing industries. This policy, initially implemented in 2022, is framed as a measure to prevent raw material shortages and support local manufacturing.
Tariff Structure
The duties are structured as a combination of an ad valorem rate and a specific minimum fee:
- Coniferous sawnwood: 10% duty, but not less than 13 euros per cubic meter.
- Oak sawnwood: 10% duty, but not less than 15 euros per cubic meter.
- Beech and ash sawnwood: 10% duty, but not less than 50 euros per cubic meter.
Industry and Enforcement Context
The extension occurs against a backdrop where forest products remain among Russia's most sought-after exports. The government has simultaneously reinforced efforts to combat illegal timber shipments, as evidenced by recent customs interceptions of significant volumes of unlawfully exported wood.
By extending these export levies, Russia is signaling its continued commitment to redirecting timber flows toward its domestic processing sector and maintaining strict control over its forestry exports, a strategy that will have lasting implications for global wood trade patterns in the coming years.
