INTERNATIONAL TRADE IN FOREST INDUSTRY

Russia is the richest country with forest resources. It accounts for 22 % of the world's forest cover and half of the world's coniferous wood reserves. According to forecasts, the demand for commercial wood will increase by about 150 million cubic meters by 2030. There is only one real source – Russia's reserves. Reserves today amount to more than 83 billion cubic meters. For enterprises of the Arkhangelsk region, the main markets for woodworking products are China, the USA, Italy, Spain, the Netherlands and Egypt. Based on this, the study has formed a logistic export system for three transportation options. In addition, studies have been carried out on the basis of UNCTAD, EUROSTAT and FAO materials, as well as SEARATES technical and economic data. When choosing a logistics system option, an integrated economic assessment of costs by components has been used: material flow, information flow, and logistics intermediaries. The study has examined six potential routes for delivering timber between ports in East Asia (Shanghai) and Europe (Rotterdam). Based on the results of the research, the following conclusions can be drawn. The study has addressed the issue of transportation along the Northern Sea Route (HIAR). Transportation along this route is possible only in the event of global warming and accelerated retreat of the Arctic sea ice. The economic strength for distance savings from Asia to Europe makes the northern route a likely driver of change in transportation networks