Decree number 1071 of the Russian government was signed by Prime Minister Vladimir Putin on December 23, postponing the increase of round wood export duties once again by one year until 2011. The Decree is valid from the January 1, 2010.The export duty for wood will remain on previous level, which means an export duty for softwood in 2010 of 25 percent, but not less than 15 Euros per cubic meter. From the beginning of 2011 the duty for softwood will be 80 percent, but not less than 50 Euros per cubic meter. The export duty for birch exceeding 15 cm by diameter will be 25 percent, but not less than 15 Euros per cubic meter. According to the decree, birch with a diameter less than 15 cm will enjoy a zero duty also from January 1 2011 onwards.As to aspen, poplar and eucalyptus, export duty for them in 2010 will be ten percent, but not less than five Euros per cubic meter. The duty for these species will be raised at the beginning of 2011 and amount to 50 Euros per cubic meter, unless a new decree to change the situation is given.