Production output in Russia’s timber industrial sector grew 1.6% in the first quarter of 2003 compared with the same period last year.

The positive result was achieved thanks to a significant revival in March when production output soared 5%, making up for a January decline.

An analytical report on Russia’s timber industry work in the first quarter of 2003 has been published by Lesprom Industry Consulting.

The authors say the unsatisfactory performance of the logging industry is a major reason for instability in the industry and unless logging production is stabilised the entire industry will face the risk of growth rate slow down.