world news - 28.08.2007
Sweden worried by Russian timber trade
Sweden is “strongly critical” to the Russian plans to boost tariffs on
round timber exports. Trade Minister Sten Tolgfors says Russia uses
dubious trade methods and that the country is breaking earlier promises
to postpone the tariff increase.
The Russian government plans to introduce the major tariff increase
already next summer. The measure is taken in order to hamper raw
material export and rather stimulate domestic processing. The tariff
increase has sparked strong reactions in the neighbouring Sweden and
Finland, which both heavily depend on the Russian timber.
Minister Tolgfors says he has requested EU Trade Commissioner Peter Mandelson to intervene in the Russian plans.
See also:
- — Russia: Forest concessions granted for large investment projects
- — Sweden's birch grievances
- — China Issues Rules for Logging Companies Overseas
- — Russia Ready to Provide More Facilities to Fight Greek Fire
- — Wildfires, Housing Have Lasting Effect on Timber Prices
