THE GROWTH OF THE SOVIET LUMBER INDUSTRY AND EXPORTS

The natural wealth of the U.S.S.R. has been a key factor in this country's rapid economic expansion. One of its major resources is its forests, which, in turn, has provided a sound basis for its lumber industry and lumber exports. This industry has played an important role in the transformation of Soviet Russia from a predominantly agricultural state to a modern industrial country by providing a valuable building material and by earning much needed foreign funds. In the latest decade, the growth of Soviet lumber production and trade has been most remarkable. Currently, the bulk of her foreign lumber sales have been concentrated in European countries, particularly the United Kingdom. Over the next five years, evidence suggests a continued growth of both lumber production and exports.