Russia May Impose Timber Export Duties

VLADIVOSTOK. March 18. VOSTOK-MEDIA – The Russian Government is considering the imposition of timber export duties, in case other countries will pursue the policy of the so-called “carbon protectionism”, which may diminish export availabilities of Russia, Minister for Natural Resources and Ecology Yuri Trutnev stated in a media briefing.

“Russia is the largest exporter of timber for a number of countries,” the Minister said. “We have continuously postponed the imposition of timber export duties at the request of our partners. But if they pursue the policy of carbon protectionism, we will have to consider measures on timber export.”

Yuri Trutnev said the issue of carbon protectionism, which was raised by Great Britain, is widely discussed in Europe and the U.S. “We believe that such discussion causes damage to the economy and hinders efforts to combat climate change,” he said.

According to him, “Russia enjoys a stable position on the world market and has a large sphere of influence, therefore it would be difficult to ignore Russia’s stance on the issue.”