The market impact of the EU Timber Regulation (EUTR) has been a major concern for the European timber trade and policy makers. Now that over a year has passed since coming into force, trade interests are raising concerns about inconsistent application across the EU and even within Member States, lack of clear guidance on key elements such as risk assessment, and the need for a greater focus on commercial implications and on evolution of cost-effective mechanisms for compliance, particularly amongst smaller companies that are so important in the timber trade. Equally NGOs are raising concerns about lack of visible progress by some EU Member States to develop enforcement regimes. This in turn has encouraged the European Commission to take measures to ensure that all Member States honour their commitments to implement and enforce EUTR.
Continue reading “Rising Concern About Market Impact of EUTR – ITTO European Market Report 30th August 2014”Sharp Rise in EU Imports of Hardwood Plywood – ITTO European Market Report 15th August 2014
In the first six months of 2014, EU28 imports of hardwood plywood were 1.21 million m3, 12% more than the same period the previous year. This follows stable imports between 2012 and 2013 (Chart 1).
Continue reading “Sharp Rise in EU Imports of Hardwood Plywood – ITTO European Market Report 15th August 2014”