RUSSIA (News release) -- The ban will affect the countries from 'unfriendly' states list recently released by Russia, including the U.S. and the EU countries. According to the Ministry of industry and trade of Russia, the ban will ensure the needs in the domestic market in affordable raw wood, as well as stimulate a further increase of wood processing within the country.

Birch pulpwood and wood chips are critical commodities for the EU, the ministry said in a statement. Russia accounts for 10 to 15% in Finland's pulpwood and chips consumption. It will be impossible to replace them all at once, says ministry.

The ministry's statement follows a number of European companies refusing to buy wood and wood products from Russia. At the same time, the certification organizations FSC and PEFC announced the termination of trade certificates for wood and wood products from Russia.