US wood products exporters are losing more than US$460m a year due to illegal logging, according to industry newsletter Random Lengths.
The publication said a 190-page report by the American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA) shows that US sawnwood exports could rise in value by US$109m annually if illegal logging is eliminated worldwide. Panel exports would benefit by US$166m, while log shipments could increase by US$186m.
The AF&PA claims its study is the timber industry’s first attempt to measure the financial impact of illegal logging on timber markets.
The report also says 8-10% of global wood production and sales involve illegal logging, with 8% of roundwood, 6% of lumber and 17% of plywood derived from “suspicious” logging practices.
About 14% of world roundwood exports are reckoned to be suspect and 23% of global plywood shipments “questionable”.
