China's massive import of Lithuanian timber draws attention from the local industry

The Lithuanian Timber Enterprises Association estimates that Lithuania’s timber exports this year will reach 2.5 million cubic meters, of which 1.5 million cubic meters will be exported to Asia, and most of them are exported to China. Previously, China imported large quantities of timber from Russia, but since Russia imposed high export tariffs on timber, Chinese buyers began to look for other import channels. Since Lithuania does not impose export tariffs on timber, Chinese buyers heavily import timber from Lithuania, raising the price of local logs. As a result, Lithuanian local wood processing companies cannot afford the high cost of logs.

The Lithuanian wood processing company Imedeksa stated that if the Lithuanian government does not impose export tariffs on timber, the timber processing companies will face bankruptcy risks. Last week, a number of Lithuanian wood processing companies sent a letter to Liberal Prime Minister Kubilius on the matter, and the library stated that they will take corresponding measures. However, as an EU country, if an export tariff is levied on timber, it must first obtain the consent of the European Commission.