Domestic log prices fell initially because of the new rate in 2008, but from the start of 2009 to the third quarter this year the average softwood sawlog price in ruble terms went up by 24%, WRQ said.
When Russia joined the World Trade Organisation last August the government was forced to reduce export taxes to 13% for spruce and 15% for pine logs, but despite this there has been no increase in the flow of logs to Finland, the major destination for Russian logs.
WRQ said steady demand by sawmills in Russia and tight supply had resulted in record high prices in contrast to most of Europe where prices have fallen.
