6.9 million m³ of sawn timber was produced in the first quarter of 2025

Rosstat has published data on the output of forest industry products for the first three months of 2025. Production volumes in most areas remain at the level of last year.

Key results of the first quarter:

• Production of softwood and hardwood lumber reached 6.9 million m³ - 0.8% less than in the first quarter of 2024;
• Paper and cardboard were produced 2.7 million tons (+0.4%);
• Plywood was produced 856 thousand m³ (+1.9%);
• The volume of production of chipboards amounted to 2.9 million conventional units. m³ (+2%);
• Pulp production decreased by 1.6% - to 2.2 million tons;
• The production volume of wood fiberboards, including MDF, HDF and flooring, decreased by 6.8% - to 173 million conventional sq. m;
• Pellet production fell by 7.9% and amounted to 288 thousand tons.

Compared to February 2025, in March there was a noticeable increase in production in almost all segments of the forestry industry:

• sawn timber - +17.1%;
• paper and cardboard - +13.8%;
• cellulose - +12.4%;
• plywood — +12.2%;
• chipboard — +11%.

Olga Kalyuzhnaya, President of the Russian Forest Association: “Production volume data for Q1 2025 show mixed dynamics depending on the products and reflect the current situation in the industry.

World timber industry markets are demonstrating weak demand conditions, and world prices are not showing any positive dynamics. Russia's domestic market is not yet able to absorb the entire volume of manufactured products, and the 2025 construction season is just starting to get started.

In addition, strict monetary policy measures and high bank rates are holding back the development of companies and complicating lending opportunities. In this regard, government support measures for the industry remain relevant, especially in the direction of stimulating domestic demand and developing opportunities for exporting products from the Russian timber industry complex.”