Russia Decides Not to Lift the Ban on Log Exports

SEATTLE (Scrap Monster): A ban on exports of logs is due to become effective in 2022 in Russia. The country has again clarified that it does not currently has any plan to lift the proposed ban.

The Russian media, citing Deputy Prime Minister Yuri Trutnev, reported that the government is not considering lifting the ban. Yuri Trutnev announced that the Russian Federation has decided to gradually increase export duties. The higher duties, coupled with the log export ban, are intended to boost domestic processing of logs within the country, thereby boosting job opportunities in Russia, he added.

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The Deputy Prime Minister clarified that the government is not considering any issues related to the abolition of protective duties. The government is proceeding under the assumption that the exports of logs from Russia will be prohibited with effect from next year.

The log export ban by Russia is feared to badly impact global trade. The country had exported nearly 15 million cubic metres of logs in the previous year, accounting for almost 12% of the globally traded roundwood.

Russia’s eastern region will be the most impacted, as it exports almost 10% of the timber harvest in the form of log. The Chinese lumber industry will also be affected. China may be forced to look for alternative sources for logs, probably to countries in Oceania, Europe and the U.S.