MOSCOW – Russian carpentry and furniture companies have asked the country’s government to establish tariffs of up to 60% on imported furniture and related materials, according to Lesprom timber industry analyst.
The Assn. of Furniture and Woodworking Enterprises of Russia, the group behind the request, specifically wants the government to target countries not friendly to Russia. Pro-Russian countries would only be subject to 10% duties.
According to Lesprom, the association believes this would allow Russian producers to compete with foreign manufacturers in the domestic market. He estimates that Russian producers would earn $813 million in additional revenue per year, a 10-12% increase in growth.
Restricted items would include upholstered furniture, cabinets, mattresses, MDF, OSB and plywood.
In March, Russia banned the export of more than 200 products to Western countries, including wood and forest products. According to timber resource TimberCheck, the United States sources at least 10% of its hardwood plywood from Russia.
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Robert Dalheim, editor of Case Goods and Global Sourcing, has been writing about the woodworking industry and business news since 2015. He graduated from Northern Illinois University with degrees in journalism and political science. Contact Bobby at [email protected] or by calling (336) 605-3815.
