Russian Railways (RZD) has introduced a 40.4% discount on export rail shipments of selected timber industry products through border crossings with Azerbaijan, Belarus and Kazakhstan.

The preferential tariff will remain in effect until the end of 2026, according to AZERTAC.

The decision was approved by RZD's management board as part of efforts to attract additional freight volumes to rail transport.

The discount applies to shipments of plywood, veneer, particleboard and fiberboard transported in covered wagons from stations operated by the Northern Railway.

The reduced tariff will be available for additional cargo volumes exceeding 151,000 tons during the second half of 2026.

The measure is aimed at making rail exports more competitive and encouraging higher freight traffic through three neighboring countries.