Estonia’s timber sales process under investigation for market price inconsistencies

The State Forest Management Center (RMK) in Estonia faces criticism for its long-term contract negotiation and price-setting rules, which fail to ensure timber is sold at market prices as required by the Forest Act. The National Audit Office's latest report highlights missed opportunities for higher revenues from timber sales. The audit revealed that timber sold under long-term contracts from 2017 to 2022 was priced up to 30% lower than timber sold at public auctions. This price discrepancy was not influenced by the volume sold, as both large and small volume buyers did not receive systematically ...