Timber exports from Brazilian wood- producing municipality Alta Floresta increased by 65% to US$14.8m last year, according to the International Tropical Timber Organisation (ITTO)
Timber exports from the tropical timber hub, situated in Mato Grosso province, were valued at US$1.6m in December, a 10.6% growth compared to a year ago (Dec 2009: US$1.4m). Exports in November were up by 177%.
The US purchased US$8.5m worth of products, followed by Canada US$$2.8m and Iraq (US$2m).
Meanwhile the National Institute for Space Research announced that deforestation in the Amazon is increasing again for the first time since late 2007.
From August to December 2010 a 10% rise in the deforestation rate was recorded, with 1,236km² of forest cleared.
