EU Imports of Tropical Sawn Timber Remained Steady in The First Six Months of 2011

EU imports of tropical sawn timber remained steady in the first six months of 2011 compared to a year ago, according to the latest market report of the International Tropical Timber Organisation. Volumes rose to 607, 000m³ (2010: 602, 000m³), while the imports were 5% up in value terms. Cameroon strengthened its position as the largest tropical sawn timber supplier to the EU with a volume of 190, 000m³, followed by Malaysia with 132, 000m³. Temperate sawn hardwood imports rose to 836, 000m³ (2010: 792, 000m³), with Croatia making a significant improvement in volumes to 193, 000m³ (2010: 166, 000m³) largely due to its ability to supply high quality oak, which has consolidated its position in the European market. The US remains the largest supplier with 266, 000m³ during the period. Total sawn hardwood imports were 1.44 million m³, compared with 1.39 million m³ in 2010, but they were still well down on volumes recorded before the economic crises. Source: ttjonline.com