Russia is to maintain its plans to further increase timber export duties, despite concerns it will affect its accession to the World Trade Organisation (WTO).
Russia is due to increase export duties for timber to €50/m³ from the beginning of 2009, having instigated a rise to €15/m³ as of April 1, with European Commission spokesperson Peter Power saying that the decision to raise export duties will “not make it easier” for the country to get in to the WTO.
However, Valery Roshchupkin, head of the state forestry agency, is reported to have told a news conference that there is “no signal” that the decision will affect its WTO talks.
“Russia’s position is clear and we do not see any signals from the government [that] a decision on the duties may change in connection with WTO entry talks,” Mr Roshchupkin is quoted by Reuters as saying.
