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Net Dutch imports of tropical wood, 1988-1999

 19881990199419951999
 
 1,000 m3 r. e. without bark
 
Total 1 1601 2518588121 112
Round wood 12592110109101
Sawn wood 611728522468594
Veneer 136470
Multiplex 411425222228417
Source: Stichting Bos en Hout.CBS/ EDC/Oct02
r.e. = roundwood equivalent 

Developments in imports of tropical wood


Total imports of tropical timber and wood products declined considerably between 1988 and 1998. The main reason for this was a huge rise in the price of sawn tropical wood. In addition, a number of alternatives became available, based on European wood. In 1998, the decline in imports stabilised, and was followed by a sharp rise in 1999. The stockpiling and running down of stocks mean that the net imports are not necessarily identical to tropical wood use in a given year.

Origin


Between 1995 and 1998, approximately 75% of imported tropical wood and wood products came from South-East Asia, 20 % from Africa and 5% from South America. The most commonly imported sorts are meranti, azobé and okoumé.

Policy


Pursuant to the Regeringsstandpunt Tropisch Regenwoud (Government Statement on Tropical Rain Forests) (LNV en Ontwikkelingssamenwerking, 1991), the Netherlands will not, in principle, cooperate with projects and developments that result in actual or potential damage to the tropical rain forest either directly or indirectly. It will also be active in curbing the trade in tropical wood that is not produced in sustainable ways by encouraging certification.

Technical note


Round wood consists of trunks or parts of trunks which have not been processed further after cutting, chopping or, in some cases, debarking. In order to be able to add up the different timber products in the tables in this section, the quantities have been converted to the quantity of round wood needed to make products.

References


  • LNV en Ontwikkelingssamenwerking (1991). Regeringsstandpunt Tropisch Regenwoud. Dutch Lower House, 1990-1991, 21517, 2-3. The Hague
  • SBH (2001). Bos en hout berichten, 2001(2). Stichting Bos en Hout, Wageningen.

Relevant sections and indicators in the Environmental Data Compendium


  • Dutch forest development (page is not available yet)
    Growing stocks, growth, felling and harvesting of timber.
  • Balance for timber and wood products, 1988-1999
    Production, imports, exports and consumption of timber and wood products in the Netherlands.

Relevant information outside of the Environmental Data Compendium


  • Stichting Bos en Hout. Stiching Bos en Hout (The Forest and Wood Foundation) is a knowledge and skills consultancy centre for the forest, wood and paper sector.
This page was last changed on November 25, 2005  (version 01).