Russia's timber supply chain is facing mounting pressure as a severe crisis in the trucking sector triggers a sharp rise in logistics costs, leading to sawmill closures and threatening continental wood trade. This follows the country's 2025 ban on imports and sales of 12 specific heavy-duty truck models from several major Chinese manufacturers, which has exacerbated an existing shortage of reliable haulage capacity.
Transport Sector in Crisis
Industry reports indicate that Russia's freight sector is experiencing its most severe downturn in decades. Approximately 7,000 transport companies have reportedly entered liquidation or face bankruptcy, with expectations that thousands more may follow. The collapse of haulage capacity directly threatens the millions of cubic meters of timber traded across Eurasia annually.
Soaring Costs and Sawmill Closures
The logistics breakdown has resulted in a dramatic 50% increase in transport costs. This surge has already contributed to the closure of dozens of sawmills in Siberia, where profit margins are sensitive to freight expenses. Data from May 2025 illustrates the unsustainable gap between revenue and cost: while the average freight rate including taxes was 66 rubles per kilometer, the actual operating cost had climbed to 82 rubles, forcing carriers to operate at a significant loss.
Cost Drivers and Import Ban Impact
The inflated costs stem from a confluence of factors:
- Fuel Prices: Account for 45% of the cost increase.
- Vehicle Maintenance: Costs have risen by 30% due to a growing fleet of aging trucks.
- Driver Wages: Have increased by 25% amid a shortage of qualified personnel.
Analysts note that the situation was significantly worsened by Russia's July 2025 ban on key Chinese-made heavy truck models. The prohibition created an immediate supply gap for essential vehicles, leaving the market unable to replenish its core fleet efficiently. This restriction has stifled the sector's ability to renew its aging truck inventory, compounding maintenance issues and limiting overall transport capacity at a critical time. The resulting shortage of reliable haulage has left the timber industry, heavily dependent on long-distance logistics, particularly vulnerable to cost inflation and supply chain disruption.
