Minister of Industry and Trade Denis Manturov explained the inclusion of wood chips and particle boards (chipboard) in the list of categories of goods important for the Russian economy. According to him, the document will make it possible to combat a possible imbalance in the domestic market through an export ban, RBC reports.
According to him, at first the initiative concerned only wood chips, but after a meeting with furniture manufacturers, it was decided to supplement it with chipboard. The draft document is posted on the federal legal portal of draft regulatory legal acts.
The ministry pointed out that the cost of particleboard increased by 40 percent over the year, while exports increased by 30 percent. This dynamics is explained by the consequences of the coronavirus pandemic, due to which the production of European plants was suspended.
At the end of December, furniture companies reported a shortage of materials for production, but then the Ministry of Industry and Trade refused to recognize the problems. The department argued that supply disruptions would end in January, and nothing had to be done.
Earlier it became known that the government intends to ban the sale of scrap metal abroad. Thus, the authorities want to limit the rise in prices for construction fittings and pipes. Since January 30, duties on export of goods have increased nine times – from 5 euros to 45 euros per ton, but this measure may not be enough.
In the same way, by restricting the supply of wheat to world markets, the government intends to combat the rise in food prices within the country.