Russian Timber Harvest Hits Record Low: Three Primary Factors Identified

The State of Russia's Timber Industry

According to Главком: According to Ukraine's Foreign Intelligence Service, Russia's timber harvest has plummeted to its lowest level since the start of the full-scale war. This crisis stems from a combination of factors, including international sanctions, issues with its technical base, and government plans to raise rental fees for forest plots.

Last year, Russia's timber harvest fell by 10% compared to the previous year, with a total volume of 176 million cubic meters. This is the worst figure recorded since the war began and is also 30% lower than it was a decade ago. By 2028, up to 90% of imported harvesters and forwarders could be immobilized due to wear and tear, creating further strain on the sector. The industry is estimated to require between 3,500 and 10,000 new units of this machinery within the next two to three years.

Causes of the Industry Crisis

Experts point out that 'another crippling factor for Russian timber harvesting is the deterioration of its logging equipment.' In 2026, rental rates for forest plots could surge by 40–50%, which would also negatively impact the industry's outlook. The three key drivers of this crisis are:

• The imposition of international sanctions;
• Critical failures in technical support and machinery;
• Planned increases in forest lease rates.

Consequently, the situation in Russia's timber industry remains dire, with its future development a cause for significant concern.

The decline in Russian timber production could have tangible consequences not only for its domestic market but also for global wood supply. With rising lease costs and a collapsing machinery fleet, the industry's competitiveness is eroding. This situation may lead to increased timber imports from other countries, which would, in turn, affect global pricing and the environmental dynamics of forestry in the region. Russia is a major global supplier of softwood lumber, making this downturn relevant to international construction and manufacturing sectors.