Changes in the Russian timber sector have made it easier for UK importers to target the country’s softwood stocks, Stephen Isaacs of George Harrison Ltd has told the London Softwood Club October meeting.
Russia has moved to systems and services more conducive to the wider European market, such as regular shipments, improved quality, better presentation of goods and environmental best practice, Mr Isaacs said at the “Russia today – a window of opportunity” event.
This differs from the spot shipping and poor standards, which dogged imports of the country’s softwood in the past.
Peter Hammersley, from Churchill and Sim Group and chair of the meeting, said Russian imports account for 750,000m³ of softwood imports to the UK from “some of the best fibre at the best prices”.
“The future’s rosy and we’re all focused on what can be achieved,” said Mr Isaacs.
