In 2025, Russia reduced logging volumes and increased lumber exports

According to Rosleskhoz, timber harvesting volumes in Russia decreased by 9% in January-October 2025 compared to the same period in 2024, amounting to 121.6 million m3. This slowdown is due to the impact of the strong ruble, high key interest rates, logistical difficulties, and the reorientation of export flows to eastern markets.

As Vyacheslav Spirenkov, Deputy Head of Rosleskhoz, noted, the dynamics of harvesting volumes directly reflects the state of the forestry industry: a decrease in this indicator leads to a drop in revenue and a reduction in production capacity at enterprises.

Nevertheless, despite the challenging economic conditions, sawn timber exports increased by 10.5% in the first nine months of 2025, reaching 16.9 million m3. China remains the main buyer of Russian timber, with significant volumes also supplied to Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan. In total, our sawn timber is purchased by more than 40 countries.

Rosleskhoz emphasized that the agency is participating in the development of a forestry development strategy through 2035. The document envisages improving forest management systems, implementing digital technologies, and developing a forest road network. Particular attention is being paid to stimulating domestic consumption of forestry products—primarily pellets, wood chips, and sawdust—which are becoming competitive alternatives to traditional fuels.