The Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine has decided to ban the export of fuel wood and extend the moratorium on the sale of unprocessed timber until the end of 2025. These measures are explained by the challenging situation in the energy system and the need to meet the needs of communities and the military.
According to government officials, the export ban is a necessary step to support life in rural communities, where firewood remains a key resource for heating in winter. "The temporary export ban is a necessary measure to take care of life in rural communities… and also to preserve the operation of a number of domestic enterprises," noted Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko.
Another reason for the decision is the reduction in logging volumes during Russia's full-scale invasion. Additionally, the military also has a certain need for wood, which was taken into account when making this decision.
The history of fuel wood exports demonstrates significant activity by Ukrainian forestry enterprises in previous years. In 2019, the country exported 1.144 million tons of wood worth 111.78 million dollars, with Italy, Poland, and Germany being the leading buyers. In 2020, the volume was 1.072 million tons worth 101.25 million dollars, with Poland remaining the most active buyer.
The largest export volume in the last seven years was in 2021 – 1.210 million tons worth 123.36 million dollars, with Romania as the leading buyer. The first year of the full-scale war, 2022, showed 1.041 million tons worth 193.27 million dollars, with Poland, Germany, and Romania as the leading markets. In 2023, exports almost returned to the 2021 level – 1.201 million tons worth 186.75 million dollars, and in 2024 – 1.089 million tons worth 131.17 million dollars. For January-October 2025, 894 thousand tons of wood worth 136 million dollars were exported, with the largest buyers being Poland, Romania, and Germany.
On October 31, the Cabinet of Ministers decided to extend the moratorium on the export of unprocessed wood and supplemented Resolution No. 1399 with a ban on the export of fuel wood in the form of logs, billets, twigs, brushwood, branches, chips, or wood shavings until the end of the year.
Against the backdrop of the ban, Ukrainian resources become particularly valuable for domestic needs. Earlier, media reported that the European Union is purchasing sanctioned Belarusian wood, which underscores the importance of protecting Ukrainian forest resources amid global demand.
