Belarus' timber export to Russia skyrockets

"Last year, more than 2 million cubic meters of timber was sold abroad via BUCE, with about 90% of it bound for the EU countries and the UK. Of course, it is not possible to redirect this volume to other markets overnight. At the same time, thanks to intensive work with potential buyers, we have achieved certain results. Export to Russia has surged more than seven times, though previously we practically did not sell our timber there. This is largely due to the flexible pricing policy of domestic exporters, who quickly adapted to the new reality and offered products competitive in terms of quality and price. Therefore, taking into account the current level of prices in the Russian Federation and good transport connection between our countries, we consider this market as one of the priorities along with Asia and the Middle East. Export of sawn timber products to Azerbaijan has grown too. Sales to China, Turkey, Israel, Uzbekistan and Georgia have been vibrant," said Aleksei Matsevolo, Deputy Chairman of the Board of BUCE.

According to BUCE, the Federal Forestry Agency of Russia, Russian Center of Forest Health Roslesozashchita and the Russian forest management center Roslesinforg, in the light of lower export prices for timber and a significant strengthening of the Russian ruble, Belarusian timber can be in demand in the Russian Federation and occupy a certain niche there.