Exports of timber and some wood products have been banned by the Kazakh government.
Explaining its decision, the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Protection says the level of forest cover has decreased to just 4%.
Wood theft is increasing as people try to cash in on the demand for pine in neighbouring countries, including China and Uzbekistan.
However, the government expects the ban to revive the woodworking industry inside the country, providing extra jobs and increased revenues.
