Dynamics and Prospects for Forestry Development in Russia and China: Cross-Country Comparisons

Abstract

The purpose of the study is to assess the possibility of changing the trade exchange of timber products between Russia and China, caused by external circumstances. First, the growing sanctions pressure on both countries; secondly, the cessation of roundwood exports from Russia to China from the beginning of 2022, which accounted for up to 60 % of the total foreign trade turnover in timber products between the countries; thirdly, a special military operation of Russia since February 2022. All this led to a severance of logistical and financial ties and complicated the economic state of the forest complex of both countries in 2022. The article identifies and analyzes the most significant indicators that affect the efficiency of the development of forestry in Russia and China, as the basis of the forest industry. Including dynamics and trends in forest areas in both countries for 2010– 2021. which made it possible to show their multidirectional nature: in Russia, forest areas decreased by 0.37 %, in China - increased by 9.87 %. This indicates that contradictions between the owner of the forest and the forest business are growing in Russia, and vice versa in China. It has been established that the total forest reserves in Russia are 4.7 times greater than in China, and the forest reserves per hectare of forest area are 1.35 times greater. This is the competitive advantage of Russian forests. But the study of the trend of their changes indicates a reduction in forest reserves over the study period in Russia, and an increase in China. The quality of forest management in our country needs to be improved. It is noted that Russian and Chinese forests have been degraded. The reasons for this are different. Different outcomes and factors influencing reforestation in the countries studied. It is shown that in Russia during the study period, not only deforestation was observed, but also forest degradation, i.e. deterioration of the species composition, reduction of the species diversity of forest ecosystems. The studied dynamics and trends in the parameters of development of the forestry sector of the two countries made it possible to determine the directions for deepening economic cooperation in the field of forestry relations in the context of sanctions pressure on Russia and China, aimed at their expansion, taking into account the observance of mutual interests.