Forestry market: volumes, statistics and comparison of Russia with world leaders.

Forestry is an important sector of the global economy, providing raw materials for industry, energy, and supporting ecological balance. This article examines key market indicators, compares Russia with other countries, and analyzes development prospects.

1. Global Forestry Market

1.1. Volumes and Dynamics

Global Forest Area: ~4.06 billion ha (30% of land area) (FAO, 2022).
Annual Wood Harvest Volume: ~4 billion m³.
Forest Products Market: ~$1.5 trillion (including lumber, pulp, furniture, biofuels).
Largest Exporters of Forest Products (2023):Canada – $33 billion
USA – $27 billion
Finland – $15 billion
Sweden – $14 billion
Russia – $12.5 billion
1.2. Trends

Growing demand for biofuels (pellets, wood chips) – EU and Asia.
Sustainable forest management (FSC certification).
Digitalization: satellite monitoring, blockchain for tracking supply chains.
2. Forestry in Russia

2.1. Key Indicators

Forest Area: 815 million ha (20% of world reserves, 1st place).
Timber Stock: ~83 billion m³ (2nd place after Brazil).
Annual Harvest: ~220 million m³ (4th place after the USA, China, Brazil).
Exports of Forest Products (2023):Roundwood – $2.1 billion (China – 60%)
Lumber – $4.3 billion
Pulp – $3.5 billion
2.2. Industry Challenges

Low level of processing (30% vs. 80% in Finland).
Illegal logging (budget losses – up to $1 billion per year).
Export restrictions to the EU due to sanctions.
2.3. Prospects

Reorientation towards Asia (China, Uzbekistan, India).
Development of timber industry complexes in Siberia and the Far East.
Growth in biofuel production (demand in the EU and Japan).
3. Conclusions

Russia possesses the largest forest resources but lags in processing.
Main sales markets are shifting to Asia due to sanctions.
Investment in timber industry complexes and combating illegal logging are needed for industry growth.
Sources: FAO, UNECE, Rosleskhoz, ITTO.