Russia’s Forestry Industry Remains Under Pressure from Sanctions and Aging Machinery
Russia’s logging output fell sharply in 2025, with timber volumes for sale declining to 176 million m3, down 10% from the previous year, The Odessa Journal reported (3-4-26), citing Ukraine’s Foreign Intelligence Service.
The report said the total was Russia’s weakest since the start of the war and 30% below levels from 10 years earlier. International sanctions have reduced timber demand, disrupted logistics chains, raised prices, and made harvesting less profitable.
The sector is also facing mounting equipment maintenance problems. By 2028, an estimated 90% of imported harvesters and forwarders in Russia will be significantly impacted, while domestic manufacturers are producing only a few replacement models. Expected demand is estimated at 3,500–10,000 units over the next two to three years.
The Kremlin also plans to raise lease rates for forest plots by 40–50% in 2026, according to the report. The pressure is expected to deepen the logging crisis and spread to related sectors, including pulp and paper and wood processing.
FEA compiles the Wood Markets News from various 3rd party sources to provide readers with the latest news impacting forest product markets. Opinions or views expressed in these articles do not necessarily represent those of FEA.