Russian Government introduced export duties on wood pulp, paper, and cardboard

As of October 1, 2023, the Government is introducing flexible export duties on a wide range of products, pegged to the ruble exchange rate. The list includes pulp and paper products, i.e., wood pulp, paper, and cardboard. This measure is stipulated in Decree of the Government of the Russian Federation No. 1538 dated September 21, 2023.

The duty equals from 4% to 7%, depending on the national currency exchange rate: 4% of the value if the average exchange rate is 80–85 rubles; 4.5% if the rate is 85–90 rubles; 5.5% if the rate is 90–95 rubles; and 7% if the rate is over 95 rubles.

As the message from the Government’s press office explains, this measure is aimed at protecting the domestic market. The flexible export duties will stay in effect until the end of 2024.