Logging of teak and other hardwoods in Burma is declining in the face of reduced demand, according to the country’s Myanmar Times.
The newspaper quoted statistics from the Ministry of Forestry showing a harvesting slide to 3.18 million m³ in the 2009-2010 financial year (2008-2009: 3.45 million m³).
The Myanmar Timber Merchants Association said EU and US trade sanctions against the country had also affected trade.
Teak production fell to 540,000m³in 2009-10 from 700,000m³ a year ago.
Industry officials believe consumers are seeking cheaper products in the current market, though they believe there is an opportunity to develop markets for other hardwoods.
