The US-based Environmental Investigation Agency (EIA) has welcomed federal goverment plans to combat illegal logging but warns that strong measures will be needed to prevent shipments entering the country.
A new report by the organisation says ramin is being illegally logged in Indonesia, laundered through Singapore and sold in the US as pool cues and picture frames. It says ramin valued at US$11.4m entered the country from Singapore during a 10-month period in 2001-2002.
The EIA warns that the US-Singapore Free Trade Agreement could further increase the illegal trade and is lobbying for a bilateral task force to become part of the pact to prevent shipments coming in.
The US is the world’s largest importer and consumer of timber and wood products, with about US$450m worth of imports coming from Indonesia annually.
US secretary of state Colin Powell launched the government’s programme to combat illegal logging on August 4. It will focus on law enforcement aid to Africa, South America and South-east Asian nations.
