Russian Timber Laundering Threatens Australian Housing Market

• •Russian timber is being laundered through third countries, undermining tariffs.
• •Up to 100,000 cubic metres of Russian timber may enter Australia annually.
• •Local timber producers are significantly impacted by these back-door imports.

Significant amounts of Russian timber are entering Australia through third-party countries, evading tariffs imposed after Russia's invasion of Ukraine. This situation has raised concerns among the Australian-Ukrainian community and local timber industry, who argue that thousands of builders may unknowingly support Russia's war efforts. The Australian Forest Products Association estimates that up to 100,000 cubic metres of timber imports annually could include Russian wood, affecting around 15,000 new homes each year. The association highlights that these imports undermine the intent of existing tariffs and harm local producers by introducing cheaper alternatives. Calls for government action include banning Russian-origin timber and improving country-of-origin testing. The issue reflects a broader concern about how laundered commodities can finance ongoing conflicts. The Albanese government is urged to close loopholes allowing such imports to continue.