Export of Timber from Ukraine against the Background of a Growing Commodity Deficit in the EU Wood Industry

Abstract

Export of raw timber from Ukraine to the EU in the last years rose to unprecedented numbers. Growth in exports stems not only from the huge activity on the supply side, but also the growing demand for timber and timber products in the EU. Most Ukrainian wood raw material is recovered, processed and exported in the grey area which is essentially outside the control of state services. Therefore, for a full understanding of the processes of logging, its initial processing, preparation for export and export it is necessary to take into account both the economic and socio-cultural context, as in the case of the Ukrainian wood market it plays an equally important role. The aim of the article is to characterise the socio-economic conditions with particular emphasis on sourcing of wood raw material and its often confidant processing and export mainly to EU countries.
The study used available official yearbooks, statistical studies and materials from public analytical reports prepared by specialised international institutions.