Russia’s timber exports squeezed as transport costs surge 50%

Freight costs across Russia have risen by about 50%, dealing a severe blow to the country’s timber export sector and complicating shipments even to so-called “friendly” markets. Siberian exporters have been forced to renegotiate contracts, scale back deliveries, and in some cases suspend exports as once-profitable routes become uneconomical. The sharp increase in costs stems from a mix of higher fuel and maintenance expenses, a shortage of qualified drivers, an aging truck fleet, and restricted access to international insurance and banking services. The result has been mounting logistical pressure, reflected in higher prices across supply chains ...