The Russian forest industry: declining wood production and emerging opportunities in bioenergy

Abstract

The aim of the study is to describe the main trends and possibilities in Russian forestry. Based on statistical data, the authors analyze general trends in the Russian forest industry like woodworking, roundwood and wood pellets production. Russia's output of roundwood, sawnwood, wood pellets, wood-based panels and veneer sheets has been growing steadily over the past 5 years. The production of only two wood-based panel types – hardboard and other fiberboard – is either absent or in decline. The results include decline in roundwood export and the growth rates in wood pellets, sawnwood, wood-based panels, and veneer sheets exports. The Russian forest industry has room to grow its export of forest products. This requires technology upgrading, which could be facilitated by proactive government policies. Keywords: forest industry, woodworking industry, bioenergy, Russia