AFPA has urgently called on the Federal Government to strengthen sanctions against Russian timber products, warning that current measures are failing to prevent Russian timber from entering the Australian market through third countries.
In a recent submission, AFPA has highlighted serious concerns that increasingly large volumes of Russian timber products are being rerouted through countries such as China before being imported into Australia, and used in housing and construction.
AFPA Acting CEO Richard Hyett said stronger action must be taken to protect Australian timber manufacturers and the integrity of Australia's forestry and wood products market.
"The latest evidence suggests significant volumes of Russian timber continue to find their way into the Australian market, despite existing sanctions," Mr Hyett said.
"We estimate up to 100,000 cubic metres of timber imported into Australia each year could contain Russian material, which means up to 15,000 new homes built each year may include Russian timber."
AFPA's submission to a Senate inquiry recommended several key actions be taken by the Government, including extending the current 35 per cent tariff to all products containing Russian materials regardless of where they are imported from, introducing Country of Origin labelling, as well as launching anti-dumping investigations into those products, and increasing border compliance activity to identify and stop rerouted timber imports before they enter the Australian market.
"Australia has become a target for Russian products because, unlike the European Union, the United States and other trading partners, Australia has taken very limited action to address Russian timber being rerouted through third countries," Mr Hyett said.
"Local timber manufacturers continue to face unfair competition from often inferior imported products that can be sold at prices well below market value. This is costing Australian businesses market share and placing pressure on local jobs, economic growth and investment.
"Enforcing stronger sanctions would also support Australian manufacturers, uphold our international commitments and ensure a level playing field for domestic producers."
