EU tropical sawn timber imports steady

EU imports of tropical sawn timber remained steady in the first six months of 2011 compared to a year ago, according to the latest market report of the International Tropical Timber Organisation.

Volumes rose to 607,000m³ (2010: 602,000m³), while the imports were 5% up in value terms.

Cameroon strengthened its position as the largest tropical sawn timber supplier to the EU with a volume of 190,000m³, followed by Malaysia with 132,000m³.

Temperate sawn hardwood imports rose to 836,000m³ (2010: 792,000m³), with Croatia making a significant improvement in volumes to 193,000m³ (2010: 166,000m³) largely due to its ability to supply high quality oak, which has consolidated its position in the European market.

The US remains the largest supplier with 266,000m³ during the period.

Total sawn hardwood imports were 1.44 million m³, compared with 1.39 million m³ in 2010, but they were still well down on volumes recorded before the economic crises.