Exports of Russian sawn timber in January-September 2015 increased 3% to 16.7 million m3

In the first three quarters of 2015, the volume of exports of softwood lumber from Russia to markets abroad amounted to 16.7 million m3, which is 3% higher than in the same period in 2014. Export value fell by 23% to $2.1 billion.

China, being the largest consumer of Russian softwood lumber, has significantly increased imports for the three quarters of the year: +13% to 7 million m3, while sales value fell by 9% to $720 million.

Deliveries to the second sales market, Uzbekistan, have decreased by 12% to 1.9 million m3 and almost twice in value terms: -49% down to $175 million.

Egypt, with its historical maximum in purchases of Russian lumber in the summer months (over 200,000 m3 per month) increased its imports by almost a third (+28%) to 1.6 million m3, while the value fell by 5% down to $255 million.

A detailed report on the situation on export markets for Russian softwood lumber is available in our new product, WhatWood Monthly Lumber Report.