| Abstract: | The import of tropical round logs into the Federal Republic of Germany has decreased by about 2/3, within the last 20 years. However, the import of sawn tropical timber, as well as veneer and plywood increased in the same period. But, generally, a continuous reduction of the tropical wood consumption in our country must be stated. The main reason for that may be found in the reduced volume of house building. This results in a lower consumption of furniture and therefore also the furniture production has reduced by about 1/3 within the last 10 years. Africa was and still is the main shipper for round logs, whereas sawn timber is supplied by Southeast-Asia. There is however a continuous change with respect to the importance of the volume of tropical woods, which are shipped from overseas countries. Style and fashion influence the wood species imported. Regarding the demand of tropical wood, our sawmills nowadays show greater consumption figures than veneer and plywood manufacturing industries. |
