EU tropical importers are facing tough competition for supplies

EU timber traders cited a number of factors shaping tropical import trends. These included intensifying competition for material from Chinese and other Asian buyers, which was driving up prices for tropical and temperate hardwood alike, as well as resulting in short supply in some species.    But logistical problems, the ‘deterrent effect’ of the EUTR in the tropical market on both suppliers and buyers, as one importer described it, and ever intensifying competition from rival products, including temperate hardwoods, modified timber and wood composites, also had an influence.    The restructuring of the African ...