What is the demand for timber and timber products in Europe?

Demand for tropical timber products, as measured by the number of cubic metres imported, has fallen over the past five years as a result of the economic recession in Europe. Interestingly enough, however, the value of these imports has risen over the same period. The economic recovery that is taking place will continue in 2016 and beyond, and will have a positive impact on the timber market in the EU. Demand for verified sustainable tropical timber is expected to be stronger in countries like the UK, Belgium and the Netherlands, where sustainable procurement policies and stringent regulations are in place.