The decline in tropical hardwood log exports continued throughout 2002, a review by timber markets publication hardwoodmarkets.com has found.
Log exports by member countries of the International Tropical Timber Organisation (ITTO) are estimated to have dipped by 12% between 2001 and 2002.
Indonesian exports fell as its log ban was enforced more effectively, while other countries including Cameroon, Gabon and Myanmar also shipped less as a result of more domestic processing and value-adding prior to export. Congo (Brazzaville) actually increased its exports as a reuslt of large Malaysian-Chinese company starting operations.
Log imports by Europe fell due to increasing restrictions on African wood and rising competition from China, which imported 7.1 million m3 last year.
Exports of tropical sawn lumber by ITTO countries are said to be stable, with around 8.45 million m3 shipped between 2001 and 2002. But supply constraints resulted in a 7% fall in African exports during the period.
Brazil recorded a strong rise in sawn lumber shipments, reflecting investment in its timber industry, competitive pricing and good demand for products from China and the US.
