Forestry industry expects demand to pick up in 2025 from largest importer, China

According to the TransLes analytical center, 28.2 million tons of forest cargo, including container shipments, were transported in Russia in 2024. This is 4% less than in 2023. 26.3 million tons of timber and lumber were transported via the railway network, a decrease of 2.2% compared to the previous year.

Domestic timber transportation in Russia showed positive dynamics: deliveries to domestic processing plants increased by 2%, reaching 16.6 million tons. However, export deliveries decreased by 11% — to 10.9 million tons, which is due to the limited capacity of the Eastern Polygon.

The main importers of Russian forest products remain China (6.7 million tons, -13% compared to 2023), Uzbekistan (0.7 million tons, -10%), Azerbaijan and Iran (0.4 million tons each, -2%). At the same time, Japan increased imports by 9% - to 0.2 million tons.

The decline in demand in China is associated with the crisis in the construction industry: in 2024, the country imported 5% less timber than in 2023, and 35% less than in 2019. However, by the end of 2024, there was a recovery in consumption, which was reflected in the growth of prices. The construction sector was supported by measures taken by the Chinese government: lower mortgage rates and easing restrictions on the purchase of second homes in a number of regions.

Against the backdrop of the intensification of the real estate market in China, demand for Russian timber is expected to grow in 2025, which could help stimulate the forestry industry in the Russian Federation.