Russian raw timber exports reached 34.74 million cub m worth $1.94 billion

Russian raw timber exports reached 34.74 million cub m worth $1.94 billion in first 10 months of 2004 compared to the same year-to-date period in 2003, Federal customs service reported.

According to customs statistics, overall external trade turnover increased 31.8% to $204.0 billion, including foreign turnover - $166.8 billion (+30.4%) and CIS turnover $37.2 billion (+38.2%). Russian imports reached $59.8 billion, up 30.8% compared to the same year-to-date period in 2003, including imports from foreign countries — $45.6 billion (+29.4%) and imports from CIS countries — $14.2 billion (+35.5%).

Foreign imports were composed by machinery and equipment — 45.4% compared to 40.4% in January-October 2003), chemical industry goods -17.8% (18.4%), foods and raw materials – 17.6% (21.5%).

EU countries are Russia’s largest economic partners that accounted for 36.6% of Russian turnover in January-Aprill 2004. After the enlargement of the EU, this index rose to 48.8%. CIS countries accounted for 18.3% of Russian trade turnover (17.4% in January-October 2003), Eurasian countries – 10.2% (9.7%), APEC – 16.8% (16.1%).

Russian main trade partners were: Germany (turnover reached $19.0 billion, 127.5% compared to the same year-to-date period in 2003), the Netherlands — $13.2 billion (164.7%), Italy — $12.3 billion (136.5%), China – 11.9billion (130.2%), the US — $7.6 billion (127.3%), Turkey — $6.7 billion (144.1%), Finland — $6.6 billion (129.3%), Poland – $6.5 billion (125.6%), the UK — $6.0 billion (116.9%), Japan — $5.9 billion (172.7%).

Russian timber industry exports in Jan-Oct 2004

Lesprom