According to the Timber Trade Federation’s (TTF) survey of members, in March and April hardwood imports were down 18%, with tropical hardwoods 37% lower, and plywood shipments fell by 5%.
Addressing the Illegal Logging Stakeholder Update at Chatham House in London this week, TTF sustainability manager Anand Punja said that while weak demand, freight costs and UK stock levels may have contributed to the decline, the TTF believed the EUTR was having an effect.
"But that’s positive; it shows people are buying more responsibly," he said.
Half of the survey respondents said the EUTR was having a minimal impact on their business, while others said they were "staying away" from Chinese plywood.
"The changes are linked to the product’s value to the business. If it’s not a valuable part of business then it’s not worth putting time into it," said Mr Punja.
Respondents also commented that the EUTR’s emphasis on legality was "getting in the way" of maintaining a focus on sustainability.
The two-day meeting at Chatham House also included updates on Voluntary Partnership Agreement progress in Asia, Africa and South America, and China’s efforts to tackle trade in illegal timber.
A full report on the TTF survey will appear in a forthcoming issue of TTJ.
