Lithuania’s lack of raw timber has local processors looking for opportunities abroad in places such as Russia. This has affected sawmill business in Lithuania as the imports of processed timber increased in Europe fom Russia.
The situation in Lithuania was reflected in the second-semester auctions for state timber where 95% of all timber bought were by state-run foretries – an usually high number. The decline in Ruble and halt of construction in the country has led to an excess supply in timber.
“Our sawmills are in big trouble, as Russians import cut timber as a raw material,” said Arvydas Urbis, head of Western Lithuanian Associaiton of Timber Processors and Exporters.
