Russian domestic sawlog and pulpwood prices fell 20% in the first quarter of 2008 as taxes on softwood logs increased 20 to 25% of log value, according to the consultancy firm Wood Resources International. Since Russian taxes and thereby the cost of logs are expected to increase further, forest companies in Europe,
the Nordic countries and the Baltic states are revising their near and long-term strategies. Softwood log imports to Europe reached their peak in 2005 (10 million m³), with Finland maintaining the highest import status in Europe and likely to be the most affected by the Russian tax increases. |
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