Trade flows of timber changed almost instantly when Russia invaded Ukraine in February. Trade sanctions and restrictions of financial transactions by Europe, North America, and Asian market halted exports from Russia and Belarus. In addition, exports from Ukraine were also disrupted. Total timber exports from Russia, Belarus and Ukraine were 34 million m3 in 2021.
More than 25% was exported to countries with sanctions against Russia and Belarus. All timber from the two countries has been designated “conflict timber.”
It is an estimated just over 30% of the total export volume of Softwood timber shipped from Belarus, Russia, and Ukraine in 2021 will now reach export markets. Imports to China which required certified timber can no longer be supplied from Russia.