According to the ITTO’s latest Tropical Timber Market Report, EU imports of tropical hardwood products in the first four months of 2014 were 1.385 million m3 in roundwood equivalent, down 1% on the same period last year.
Although imports of tropical sawnwood and veneer increased by 3% and 14% respectively, this was offset by declines in tropical logs (-34%), mouldings and decking (-3%), plywood (-8%) and glulam/window scantlings (-6%).
Shipments to Europe’s largest importers – Belgium and France – were down 7% and 5% respectively, but the Netherlands, the UK, Spain and Portugal, all bought more. Although the UK’s tropical hardwood imports rose by 8% the ITTO says there are signs that tropical timber may be losing market share to temperate hardwood.
In addition to lower demand, the European market suffered supply constraints as issues at Douala Port affected shipments from Cameroon and Congo.
