Due to the available natural resources Estonian economy largely relies on the branches related to the forest; Estonian energy sector is based on oil shale, a resource quite rare elsewhere in the world. Finland and Sweden are the most important trade partners, but the role of other European counties and countries of the world has increased over the years as well.
Loodusvaradest tulenevalt on Eesti majanduse jaoks olulised kõik metsaga seotud valdkonnad; ka põhineb Eesti energeetika põlevkivil, mis mujal maailmas on haruldane loodusvara.