Timber on hold: why Poland delays cargo from Ukraine and what it means for business
28 March 17:59
On March 15, 2025, Polish customs authorities began massively detaining and blocking cargo from Ukrainian woodworking companies at the border. Many trucks have been idle for more than 10 days without receiving clear explanations of the reasons for the delay, "Komersant Ukrainian" reports, citing a Forbes article.
“The problem is that customs officers don’t explain what exactly is needed, they just say: wait,” Vitaliy Ovsiyuk, director of legal affairs at plywood producer ODEK-Ukraine, commented on the situation.
According to him, ODEK sends an average of 200 trucks with products through Poland per month. Delays at the border cause additional costs.
According to Ukrainian exporters, the situation is complicated by the fact that the Polish authorities cite the need for tighter controls due to fears of circumventing sanctions imposed on Russia.
Ukraine traditionally exports significant volumes of wood, lumber and furniture to the European Union, and Poland is a key transit point for these exports. However, the current blockades have already resulted in serious financial losses. If the situation is not resolved in the near future, Ukrainian woodworking companies may face a complete halt in exports, which could cost the country’s economy $2.5 billion by the end of the year.
In addition, delays at the border also affect the logistics of European companies that depend on Ukrainian goods. Industry representatives emphasize that such actions by Poland harm not only Ukrainian business but also the stability of supplies to European markets.
The Ukrainian authorities have already asked their Polish counterparts to resolve the situation and lift the blockade. The Ministry of Economy of Ukraine is negotiating with representatives of the European Union to find a compromise solution. However, so far there are no signs of a quick resolution of the conflict.
Experts warn that further aggravation of the situation could lead to a decline in production, job losses and a deterioration of the economic situation in the Ukrainian woodworking industry. Against the backdrop of the ongoing war with Russia and other economic difficulties, this creates additional risks for Ukrainian business and the country’s budget.
Read also: Conflict timber: will the Timber Market Law help Ukraine and the EU reach an understanding?
What you need to know about timber exports from Ukraine
Timber exports from Ukraine are a significant part of the economy, especially in times of war, when many other industries have faced infrastructure destruction and logistics constraints.
Export structure
Ukraine exports both unprocessed wood (roundwood) and woodworking products: lumber, plywood, furniture, joinery, and wood fuel pellets. The main types of wood are oak, ash, beech, and pine.
The largest consumers of Ukrainian timber are the countries of the European Union, including Poland, Germany, Italy, and Romania.
Ban on log exports
Since 2015, Ukraine has had a moratorium on the export of unprocessed timber (logs) to support the domestic wood processing industry. However, there are exceptions for firewood and certain tree species.
Despite the ban, some countries and companies have accused Ukraine of smuggling timber.
Importance for the economy
Before the war, exports of timber products accounted for about 2-3% of Ukraine’s total exports. As of 2024, exports of wood and wood products brought Ukraine about $2.5 billion.
An important role in exports is played by the furniture industry, which actively supplies products to the EU.
Problems and challenges
- Smuggling and corruption. Due to high demand for wood and attractive prices, some companies are trying to circumvent the law.
- Sanctions and blocking. After the war started, the EU imposed sanctions on Russian and Belarusian timber. Poland fears that Russian timber may be imported under the guise of Ukrainian products.
- Logistics. Due to the blockade of ports, Ukrainian exporters are forced to rely on road and rail, which increases the time and cost of delivery.
Control and certification
To verify the origin of timber, Ukraine uses the Electronic Timber Record System (EUDR), which tracks each tree from felling to export. An additional role is played by the international FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) certification, which confirms the environmental responsibility of production.
The future of exports
In order to maintain access to European markets, Ukraine is forced to tighten control over the origin of timber. Certification requirements may be expanded and satellite monitoring of forests may be introduced.
If the conflicts with Poland and other EU countries are not resolved, this could lead to significant losses for the Ukrainian economy and the closure of a number of woodworking enterprises.
Overall, timber exports remain an important part of Ukraine’s exports, but require transparency, control, and diplomatic relations with key trading partners.
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