Belarus to export record-high amount of timber in 2024

The Belarusian Forestry Ministry plans to export a record-high amount of timber in 2024, Forestry Minister Aleksandr Kulik reported to Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko during the head of state’s working trip to Shklov District on 11 October, BelTA has learned.

In January-September 2024 forestry institutions affiliated with the Forestry Ministry sold more than 788,000 cubic meters of timber, up 12.5% from the previous year’s results. The ministry expects to reach 1 million cubic meters of timber in exports by the end of the year.

According to Aleksandr Kulik, it will be a record-high figure. “This year we will break the record and reach an all time high of 1 million cubic meters of timber in exports. The previous highest figure stood at 800,000 cubic meters,” the minister said.

According to the ministry, China remains the main sales market, accounting for about half of Belarus’ timber exports.

In terms of value, the export of timber products and services amounted to $135 million in January-September 2024, up almost 16% year on year. Profitability of sold products, goods and services was almost 20%. For comparison: it was 10.6% in the previous year.

“Market conditions are favorable for us at present. Export prices are up, and we have all the conditions to sell timber well,” Aleksandr Kulik said.

“Do not forget that we need added value,” the president stressed.

“Apart from furniture the market needs timber as well,” the minister remarked.

“You are right. The only thing we need to avoid however is to have them [foreign manufacturers] make furniture out of our materials and export it back here,” Aleksandr Lukashenko pointed out.