Despite the ongoing decline in construction activity in Russia, domestic demand for lumber increased in July. The volume of apparent lumber consumption in the country rose by 16% in July compared to the same period last year, while construction decreased by 14%. Prices for key lumber categories in July remained at the previous month’s level. …On export markets, Russian exporters faced mixed dynamics. In July, the volume of lumber exports from Russia increased by 18% compared to June, but shipments were 13% lower than a year earlier. China remains a key destination for Russian suppliers, but Russian exporters are facing growing competition from Belarusian companies offering lower prices. The situation for Russian exporters is further complicated by a general decrease in China’s lumber purchases due to the ongoing crisis in its construction sector. Lumber exports from Russia to Japan remain weak: shipment volumes dropped by 19% year-over-year.