Distr.
GENERAL
PPR 71/05 (M)Original: ENGLISH

INTERNATIONAL TROPICAL TIMBER ORGANIZATION

PRE-PROJECT REPORTREVIEW OF THE FRENCH TIMBER MARKET

PREPARED FOR ITTOBY
OLE PEDERSEN AND PIERRE M. DESCLOSNOVEMBER 2005

Table of Contents
Part One
1.1
1.2
1.3
1.4
1.5
1.6
1.7
1.8
1.9
1.10
1.11
1.12
1.13
1.14
1.15
1.16
1.17
1.18

Page

Executive Summary ..................................................................................................................3
Introduction...............................................................................................................................9
Methodology ...........................................................................................................................11
Statistical sources and analysis ...............................................................................................14
Data reliability assessment1....................................................................................................18
Nomenclature and tariffs.........................................................................................................20
The French economy...............................................................................................................21
The European wood industry ..................................................................................................24
The French forest resource......................................................................................................26
The French wood industry ......................................................................................................29
The French trade structure ......................................................................................................31
The French balance of timber trade ........................................................................................34
Consumption by geographical region within France ..............................................................35
Promotion................................................................................................................................39
Logistics and ports in France ..................................................................................................42
Environment............................................................................................................................45
Factors affecting Competitiveness of Tropical Timber ..........................................................49
Tropical Timber Import: 1973 – 2003 ....................................................................................52
French Guyana: France as a tropical producer........................................................................57

Part Two
2.1
2.2
2.3
2.4
2.5
2.6
2.7
2.8
2.9

Industrial Roundwood.............................................................................................................59
Sawnwood ..............................................................................................................................74
Plywood .................................................................................................................................90
Veneers .................................................................................................................................110
Furniture................................................................................................................................120
Builders Joinery ....................................................................................................................134
Mouldings .............................................................................................................................142
Parquet ..................................................................................................................................150
Other Secondary Processed Wood Products.........................................................................161

Part Three
3.1

Recommendations for ITTO producers ................................................................................181

Appendices
Acronyms and abbreviations ................................................................................................189
Reports and documentation consulted ..................................................................................190
Organizations, companies and persons interviewed .............................................................192
Imports of tropical wood 1973 – 2003..................................................................................197-1-

Executive SummaryMarket Conditions
France is enjoying its highest level of home construction activity in more than 20 years. In 2004, newhomebuilding reached 363,000 units, 15% better than 2003. New housing permits issued the first 7
months of 2005 are up 13% on the same period of 2004. Historically low mortgage rates help fuel thedemand for new housing and also provide a boost to the home renovation sector.
New homebuilding and home renovation are the main drivers of the demand for construction
materials, including wood. Tropical hardwood is a major beneficiary of this strong demand. At theend of June 2005, imports are up compared with the first 6 months of 2004, for all tropical wood
products, industrial roundwood, sawnwood, plywood, profiled wood, and other Secondary Processed
Wood Products.
Nordic Softwood imports are progressing strongly; major Nordic producers have their own terminals
in French ports with their own stocks, marketing staff and distribution organization, driving up theirmarket share across the board in all profitable market segments.
Temperate hardwood imports are up 24% for the first 6 months of 2005 compared with the same
period of 2004; this is, however, still well below the level of imports a few years ago. French
domestic hardwood production has declined not least due to the collapse of the beech market.

Trends in the tropical timber trade
Comparing imports of timber products in 1973 against imports in 2003, sawn softwood imports are up
50% in volume, veneer sheet imports, mainly tropical, have almost doubled, plywood is slightly
increased. The import of tropical sawnwood has increased slightly, whereas the import of tropicalindustrial roundwood is down by 80%.
In volume terms, the market share of tropical timber has declined during this period, as availability ofthe traditional, popular species has declined, and tropical timber prices have generally risen strongly,
whilst Nordic softwood prices have declined over the last decade. Plywood prices are under pressure
notably due to competition from China.
In value terms, however, countries exporting tropical timber, particularly when counting China in thatcategory, have in over-all terms done better than maintaining their market share during this period.
Furniture and other secondary processed wood products imports from tropical countries, have morethan replaced the value of the reduced roundwood import.

Transport
The cost of transport –the single biggest element of cost for many wood products– has increased
dramatically over the last few years. A strongly increased volume of international movement of goods,
not least China’s demand for raw materials, has driven up the charter rates. Now oil (and other fossil
fuel prices as well) are up six times compared with the oil price six years ago. The availability ofsuitable shipping bottom has been insufficient over certain periods, and has led to irregularity ofsupply of tropical timber into a number of French ports.

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The dramatic increase of transport cost, in certain cases a doubling of freight rates, encourages theactors in the tropical timber trade to ship downstream products: one cubic meter of dowels can muchbetter support the cost of transport than three cubic meters of roundwood.

France’s Forest and wood industry
The French forest has been replanted over the last 150 years, and has grown from 8 to 16 million
hectares. The wood capital totals two billion m3 of which 60% is hardwood, 40% softwood. Annual
incremental growth totals 90 millon m3, of which one third is not felled but left to increase the capitaland increase annual incremental growth.
Many sectors of the French forest and downstream industry are suffering a serious lack ofprofitability; factories have been closed, as many as one third of all jobs lost, exports are declining.
This is true in harvesting and logging, sawmilling, veneer and plywood, joinery, and particularly in thefurniture industry. The balance of the wood products trade is deteriorating seriously: imports are up,
exports down, the annual deficit is reaching a historical high of 3.4 billion Euro, one billion of whichis represented by furniture, and another billion by woodwork including sawnwood.
This trend is similar to that of most other high-cost West European countries. France exports highquality oak logs to China and imports finished furniture from China.
Tropical timber producers are amongst the beneficiaries of this situation, increasing their sales ofvalue-added products whilst the export of industrial tropical roundwood to France has fallen by 80%
over the last generation.
France is the only remaining European country with a plywood industry of any consequence that isbased on imported tropical hardwood. That situation is, however, changing as the French plywood
manufacturers are setting up their peeling factories in Africa (mainly Gabon). At this time veneer
imports into France are growing strongly, plywood slowly. The French CTBX label required for all
construction plywood represents a non-tariff barrier.

Data reliability assessment
ITTO asked the consultants to “identify the sources of statistical data .. and provide an assessment of
the reliability and timeliness of this data”.
Very serious and competent efforts are being made by authorities and organizations to ensure the exact
recording of the volume and value of movement of goods
The existing nomenclature under the TARIC, the integrated tariff of the European Communities,
covering section 44 Wood, is unnecessarily complicated, open for mis-declarations, confusing forcustoms and others trying to produce reliable, meaningful up-to-date trade statistics. The French
Timber Trade Federation, LCB, will present their recommendations for a simplification of theplywood nomenclature.
Inter-European traffic has to be reported to Customs Authorities in a monthly “declaration of
movement of goods” by any and all companies and persons trading/moving goods across borders. The
consultants conclude that there is undoubtedly some undeclared inter-European movement of goods,
including tropical wood products. Trade statistics, interpreted by the French customs, the UN/ECE,
ITTO, and the UCBD/UCIP do not show identical numbers.

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The consultants evaluate that, globally, imported volumes are reported within a few percentage points
margin of error, but that there are both voluntary and involuntary misdeclarations made between
different nomenclature groups in the categories of sawnwood, plywood, parquet and “other SPWP”.

End-Use of tropical timber
The vast majority of tropical timber is used in home construction and home renovation. 40% of theplywood is used for construction, the rest for packaging, furniture, transport and other. In respect ofsolid timber, from roundwood, sawnwood, dimension stock or imported secondary processed wood
products (excluding furniture), builders joinery represents some 80% of the end-use, the balance goesto mouldings, parquet and other uses. Furniture today represents France’s biggest import item of
tropical wood products: Five hundred million Euro worth of annual imports.

Factors affecting competitiveness of tropical timber
Many ITTO producers are battling against a number of constraints which their counterparts working
with softwood and temperate hardwoods do not suffer: distance to market, high cost of transport,
climatic and other factors which hamper logistics, lack of visibility and lack of investment, difficulty
and cost of certification.
Fortunately, the inherent natural characteristics of the popular tropical timber species are excellent fora number of end-uses such as joinery, decking and other outdoor applications. Many tropical species
are available in volume in attractive specifications of high export quality. The durability, stability,
workability and aesthetical appeance of many tropical species are superior to those of most competing
timbers and other materials.

Environmental concerns
Public awareness of environmental concerns has been lower in France and other Latin countries thanin Northern Europe, up to a few years ago. NGO’s are now very active in France. The Government
has in 2005 issued a Public Procurement Decree establishing guidelines for the public procurement ofwood. The objective is to progressively increase the share of wood from legal origin producers
committed to sustainable forest management, minimum 50% by 2007, 100% by year 2010.
The decree refers to all wood, from all sources. The text states: “If the safeguard of the tropical forests
constitutes the major preoccupation, the directive contained in the decree apply to all public
procurement of all products made from wood, of all origins, in order to promote sustainable
management and value-creation for all types of forests.”
France participates in the FLEGT action programme, particularly in its role as coordinator forcountries in the Congo basin.
There are two organizations dominating the certification scene in France, PFC and PEFC. As of
30/4/2005, PEFC lists 3,591,127 HA as certified in France. FSC is the certification scheme promotedby the Environmental NGO’s such as Greenpeace, WWF and FoE. The wood trading and industrial
actors as well as their associations wish certification to not be the monopoly of only one organization.
Some support PEFC, some FSC, but there is agreement that several schemes must be allowed tocompete. Above all, mutual recognition by and of all the different schemes around the world, is very
urgently requested by all in the wood trade and industry who asked the consultants:“Please ask ITTO to employ all their power and influence in the international timber community tobring about mutual recognition of and by the different certification schemes.”-5-

Promotion
CNDB, The National Committee for Wood Development, is together with trade and industry actors
running promotion schemes for wood on a permanent basis, “J’aime le bois” (I love wood) ran for a
decade, was succeeded by “Le bois avance” (Wood is advancing), now “Le bois – c’est essentiel”(wood – it’s essential). 134 TV spots on the popular channels, advertizing in popular magazines, andposters remind the public “Using wood is an ecological act”, and “wood is one of the very few
renewable building materials”.
The government signed with the wood industry and trade in 2000 a “Plan Bois Construction” toincrease the use of wood in construction, from 10% to 12.5% by 2010.
All wood from all origins benefits from these campaigns.

Perceptions and views of the private sector on likely future trends in the tropicaltimber markets of France.
Wood is the material chosen for up-market end-uses in the private home, restaurants, shops, airports,
and offices. When aesthetics are more important than cost, the favourite tropical timbers are chosen
for joinery, parquet, decking (a huge succes for tropical timber use), shopfitting etc.
Demand for tropical timber products is good. The importers and industrial joinery manufacturers who
have seen France change its leading exterior joinery species six times in one generation, are concernedthat the supply of suitable tropical timber may be drying up. Everyone wants the tropical forest to beprotected and managed on a sustainable basis so that tropical timber supply is ensured for the future
generations.
The wide range of trade and industry leaders interviewed by the consultants express the need for the
supply of certified tropical timber products to be increased – quickly: “Please impress on ITTO theurgency, time is running out, the pressure is on us to supply certified wood products –now! Given
regular supply of quality products, we shall obtain a reasonable premium for certified tropical wood
products, so that suppliers recover the cost of certification, over a reasonable period”.

Recommendations to ITTO Producers: Opportunities in the French timber marketxxxx

Participate in the work to promote simpler and clearer nomenclature. This will assist with respect
to creating better access to the plywood market, amongst others
Respect the standards, e.g. EC Markings
Give maximum attention to all issues linked to environment, not least certification
France offers many opportunities for finished and semi-finished products. Wood based furniture
at this time represents the biggest item of import of all tropical woods, in value terms.

Popular species
Take full advantage of the inherent characteristics of the popular, primary species.
Each one of the popular, primary species of tropical timber that has its place in the French timbermarket owes its popularity to the inherent characteristics of that species, the technical characteristics
as well as its aesthetical appeal.
Recommendation:« Employ each species for the purposes/final products for which it is best suited and most appreciated.
Listen to the market, and deliver
x quality products
x which satisfy the client’s real needs-6-

x and obtain your price »This is true for all products: Industrial Roundwood, Sawnwood, Veneer, Plywood, Joinery, Mouldings,
Parquet, Decking, Furniture, and other Processed Wood Products.
Lesser-known species
In most cases “lesser-known species” are less popular, or « secondary » for a number of technicaland/or aesthaetic reasons which can be related to difficulties of workability, drying, stability,
finishing, durability, appearance, etc.
.
When these species are sold on the world market either without any transformation as industrial
roundwood, or in the form of primary processed raw material, sawnwood or veneer, they fetch low
delivered prices. These timbers will compete against a host of other species of tropical and temperate
hard- and softwoods, as well as against other building/decorative materials.
With rising energy cost, the element of transportation cost will absorb most of the value. The
producer will be left with a very low contribution ex-logyard or ex-mill for such “secondary” species
sold as industrial roundwood, veneer, or green/airdried sawnwood.
It is more profitable for tropical timber producers to transform these « secondary » species into
finished/semi-finished wood products, such as plywood, furniture, joinery, mouldings, decking, andother secondary processed wood products.
A host of « secondary » or « lesser-known » species that were previously left in the forest, without any
demand for them, are now being utililized for making such products as plywood and furniture.
Seen with the user’s eyes, provided the sheet of plywood and the piece of furniture are serviceable andsatisfy the intended use, then the species from which these products are made, is not important.
The same is true of mouldings, for certain end-uses, as well as for a number of the products in thegroup of “Other Secondary processed wood products”.
Some “lesser-known” or “secondary” species, are not known because the volume available isinsufficient to arrange economic production runs, and insufficient to make an impact on the market.
These species often pose a problem for the producer/manufacturer in the country of origin, withrespect to downstream manufacturing. The volume available of fresh logs is insufficient to make aproduction run in the sawmill, it is difficult to ensure proper kilndrying, and there is insufficientvolume to make a production run in the moulding factory.
A number of these species can profitably be made into plywood, furniture, and other SPWP. Provided
that the ITTO producer manufactures these species into finished products which satisfy the client’s
technical and aesthetic requirements, the client is not concerned about the species used, nor if thespecies are mixed.
When a “lesser-known species” enjoys technical and/or aesthetic characteristics which are attractive tothe market, but that species is available in insufficient quantities to each producer, the consultants
recommend to the producers in the same region to work together and exchange these rare species sothat each producer gets enough raw material to be able to make economic production runs. Heavy
hardwoods, suitable for decking, are a good example of this kind of opportunity.
France: the world’s most species flexible wood market.
Amongst the traditional timber importing countries, France is the most species flexible wood market.
France has in less than one generation changed its primary joinery species 6 times, from African Sipo,
to Philippine Lauan, to Malaysian and Indonesian Dark Red Meranti, to Malaysian White Seraya, toBrazilian Curupixa, and now Brazilian Tauari.

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The French market is open to « new » species and products – on certain conditions, amongst which themost important are:x regularity of delivered volume of supply
x quality of product, specification, and appearance
x competitive price relative to equivalent supply
Tropical Timber Producers seeking further information and recommendations about opportunities in
the French timber market may contact ITTO who can refer to sources of information in France.

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PART I
1.1

Introduction

Terms of Reference.
On 1 June 2005, ITTO employed, under ”special service agreement for a consultant” Pierre M.
Desclos, French National, and Ole Pedersen, Danish National, as co-consultants, to undertake a reviewof the French timber market in accordance with the following Terms of Reference:“REVIEW OF THE FRENCH TIMBER MARKET[ITTO Yokohama Action Plan, Section 3.1, Goal 1, Action 5]
Terms of Reference

Compilation and Review of Information
The consultant shall:x Collect, analyse and present data on imports, exports, production and consumption of timber
identifying trends for tropical hardwoods, softwoods and temperate hardwood in France.
This analysis should cover industrial roundwood, sawnwood, veneer, plywood, builders
joinery, flooring, mouldings, millwork and wood furniture. Any existing studies should be
integrated in this analysis.
x Identify the sources of statistical data used in (1) above and provide an assessment of thereliability and timeliness of this data.
x Review information on trends in tropical timber trade in the region in which France is located.

Tropical Timber Consumption Analysis
x For the main consumption centres, report on trends in the last 3-5 years in consumption of the
products noted in (1) above and identify the consumption trends for tropical hardwood
products relative to other timbers and place such trends in a regional context.
x For each of the consumption centres, and for the countries as a whole, identify and report on
the end-use distribution for each tropical timber product referred to in 1 above.
x Analyse factors affecting competitiveness of tropical timber including identification of thesignificant products (timber, other materials, etc.) with which tropical timber competes.
x Analyse and report on current import tariffs, product specifications and quality requirementsin these timber markets and their implications and opportunities for ITTO exporters.
x Identify possible non-tariff barriers in France for timber imports and any particular impacts on
tropical timber.
x Survey the perceptions/views of the private sector on likely future trends in the tropical timbermarkets of France.
x Present preliminary findings/analysis to the ITTO Secretariat at the end of the data collection
phase.

Reportingx Submit a preliminary report of the review to the ITTO Secretariat not later than
15 August 2005.
x Submit the final report of the review, including an executive summary and a draft article for
the Tropical Forest Update (TFU), not later than 15 October 2005.
x Present the report at the Thirty-seventh Session of the Committee on Economic Informationand Market Intelligence scheduled for 7-12 November 2005 in Yokohama, Japan. »-9-The Consultants
The consultants both have a long and complementary experience in the French timber market.
Pierre M. Desclos has strong ties to the international trade and forestry organizations, FAO, UNECE,
and others. Ole Pedersen has hands-on industrial and commercial experience in France andinternationally.
Ole Pedersen is a timber consultant specialized in strategic planning, market analysis, productdevelopment, and marketing, branding and merchandizing. In a 40year carrier with a leading timbergroup, he has held commercial positions in Canada, USA, and UK. In Malaysia, he was seconded to a
World Bank timber project as Marketing Manager. In Brazil, he was Managing Director for a sawmill
operation. In Denmark he was responsible for group strategic planning development. In Belgium,
Deputy Managing Director before moving to France in 1977 as Managing Director for a major timber
importing company, which he directed for 25 years. Simultaneously, he held group level
responsibilities, a.o. procurement director for Africa, and group commercial director. As an
independent consultant he works both for private enterprises and for national and internationalorganizations, within his fields of expertise. His broad background and integration into different
cultures, are helpful assets in international studies.
Pierre M. Desclos is an independent consultant based in Rome, Italy. He is a specialist in themarketing and international trade of forest products. Pierre M. Desclos is deeply involved in South andNorth America, Africa, Europe and Russia, consulting for and advising several forest industry
associations, forest products companies and major international organizations. Formerly, he managed
the offices of the Council of Forest Industries of British Columbia (COFI) in Lyons, Rome and Paris.
He has authored and co-authored several articles and studies in a number of international publications,
including the Development of Further Processing published by ITTO and ITC in 2002. He lectures atthe École Supérieure du Bois in Nantes (the French wood products university) and has been guest
lecturer in several academic institutions around the world. He is a frequent participant in major
forestry and forest products events and contributes regularly to wood market and wood products
development fora.

Structure of Report
The structure of the Report has been built with a view to including a depth of background data andinformation placing the French tropical timber consumption in a historic and regional perspective.
The authors have at the same time endeavoured to deliver practical information on the utilization of
species and products, which can hopefully be of use to ITTO producers.

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1.2

Methodology

All existing studies were integrated in this analysis: CIRAD, FAO, ITTO, UNECE, LCB, SESSI,Agreste, IPEA, ATIBT, etc. (See complete list in appendix II) Assessment of the reliability isreviewed in chapter 1.4. The sources were identified and the latest data (2004 for most statistics)
reported.
Report structure
The description of the French economical background and matters common to all products, such as the
French economy, industry and trade structure and the environment are presented in the first part of thereportProduct reports
Each of the main products is reviewed in a separate chapter:
2.1
2.2
2.3
2.4
2.5
2.6
2.7
2.8
2.9

Industrial Roundwood
Sawnwood
Plywood
Veneers
Furniture
Builders Joinery
Mouldings
ParquetOther Secondary processed wood products

In order to situate France in the regional context, for each product, the European data were reported.
Product report format
The following structure was adopted for each product:
Profile of France for the ProductSummary Table (production, Import, export, consumption)
Institutions
National federation/association for the Product
European federation/association for the ProductTerminology and Nomenclature
Tariffs
Product Standards
European Standards
French Standards
Product Specifications
Formats
Species
Shipping and Conditioning
Environment
Certification
Product production
Europe:Product Production (General)
Tropical product production
France:Product Production
Tropical Product production
Tropical Product production capacity
Tropical Product production-11-Tropical Product production trends
Product Imports
Europe:Europe:France:Product Imports (All types)
Product Imports by importing countries
Product Imports by countries of origin
Product Imports by type /species
Tropical Product imports
Tropical Product imports
Breakdown by origin
Breakdown by species
Tropical Product imports non tariff barriers
Tropical Product imports trends

Product Exports
Europe:Product Exports (All types)
Breakdown by exporting countries
Breakdown by countries of destination
Breakdown by type /species
Tropical Product exports
France:Tropical Product exports
Tropical Product exports trends
Product Consumption
Europe:Product Consumption (All types)
Tropical Product consumption
France:Tropical Product consumption
End UsesMarket Drivers
Competition
Other Wood Products
Other materials
Non Tariff barriers
Tropical Product consumption: trends, perception and views
On-site visits and interviews

Tour de France.
In combination with the desk study of reports, analysis, statistics, and telephone interviews with awide range of organizations and companies, the authors visited ports, companies, trade associations,and others.

-12-The purpose of on-site visits is many-fold, to name a few:
x Ports receiving shipments of tropical industrial roundwood and sawnwood are like an open
book to read: Which shipper in which country ships which product of which species to whom?
What is the volume of stocks – are the stocks moving?
x On-site visits allow meeting persons in their own natural environment where they have
immediate access to immense detail and information. In many cases it is possible to look at
timber products, including new developments. In this manner, it is also possible to crosscheck information obtained elsewhere.
x The most important advantage is in personal, confidential face-to-face contact to obtain the
person’s genuine perceptions and views. This is more valuable information than that obtainedon the telephone or by other methods.
With a view to obtaining and cross-checking the fullest range of data and information possible, theauthors therefore visited a wide selection of companies, ports, organizations, etc.
The list of organizations, companies, persons interviewed, is included in appendix III

Main visits
The authors visited on their site of operation:
x 13 Importers/Distributors of Tropical and other timber, in Sète, Bordeaux, La Pallice, Nantes,
Paris, and Grenoble.
x 5 Leading Timber Merchant Chainsx 1 Producer/Exporter of Tropical Timberx 1 Forest Operator (Africa), sawmiller, Plywood-miller, exporter, importer, and distributor
x 1 Producer/exporter and distributor in France of Scandinavian softwood products.
x 1 Producer of French Hardwoods
x 1 Custom-sawing sawmill cutting boules from tropical logs
x 2 Parquet Manufacturers
x 1 Dowel Manufacturer
x 1 Shutter and Interior Door Manufacturer
x 1 Importer/Retailer of Tropical-wood garden furniturex 6 Joinery Manufacturers (3 Visits, 3 telephone)x 2 Stevedoring/Transit Agent/Ship agentsx 6 Trade Federations (2 by phone)x The Forestry Ministryx The Forest Research Institutex 1 Certifying Bureaux 2 Forest Certification Consultantsx 2 International Plywood Traders
x 1 Chamber of Commercex The Customs statistics bureau
x The Statistics Bureau of the Ministry of Agriculture,x The Plywood Labelling Authority
x Centre Technique du Boisx UNECEx Fédération Nationale du Bois (FNB)
x LCB, Le Commerce du Bois

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1.3

Statistical Sources and Analysis

Sources
The following sources were consulted during the composition of the present report:
x French Customs Service: The French Customs Service is part of Minefi 1 (Department of

Economy, Finance and Industry). The Customs service releases import /export data selected bynomenclature code.
x French Department of Agriculture and Fisheries: SCEES 2 is the office releasing statistics andstudies on agriculture, forestry and agri-food industry. Their AGRESTE publication service
produces periodical data on forest production and forest industries (GraphAgri).
x French Department of Industry: The Studies and statistics service of the Industry Department is“Service d’Etudes et de Statistiques Industrielles” 3 (SESSI). It publishes periodic and annual data
and analysis collections.
x UNECE: The United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) has a committee

dedicated to forestry and timber. The UNECE timber committee 4 and the FAO European Forestry
Commission work together and are associated in many projects. The UNECE timber committee
collects from the member countries a wide range of information regarding the European forest, its
related industries and trade. Their database is invaluable for this type of study.
x FAO: The FAO database 5 was consulted for longer historical series.
x COMTRADE :United Nations Statistics Division Commodity Trade (COMTRADE) 6
x Eurostat: Eurostat 7 is the Statistical Office of the European Communities

Trade Organisations Statistics
x LCB (French Timber Trade Federation: Le Commerce du Bois ) 8 LCB is the central and importantsource of information for the French timber trade.
x UCBD / UCIPUCBD = Union pour le Commerce de Bois Durs dans l’U.E.= European Hardwood Trade
Federation
UCIP = Union pour le Commerce des Panneaux en Bois = European Wood Based Panels Trade
Federation
UCBD 9 is an alliance of the national federations of tropical and temperate hardwood importers in
the European Union. UCIP and UCBD produce an annual statistical summary of the European
plywood trade based on the national trade association. This document is fundamental in analysing
the European timber and panel trade because it is based on a critical and professional analysis at a
European level.

1

http://www.minefi.gouv.fr
www.agreste.agriculture.gouv.fr
3
http://www.industrie.gouv.fr/sessi
4
http://www.unece.org/trade/timber5
http://faostat.fao.org
6
http://unstats.un.org/unsd/comtrade7
http://epp.eurostat.cec.eu.int
8
http://www.lecommercedubois.fr
9
ucbd@boisimport.be2-14-

Industrial Organisations Statistics
The major industries have national associations and European federations. Most of them produce anannual report with production statistics. In each product chapter of this study the industrial
associations are presented with details. For the main productions reported in this study:
Table 1.3.1
French and European
Industry Associations / Federations
FranceEurope

UFC

FEIC
EPF

Furniture

IPEA

UEA

Parquet

UFFEP

FEP

Plywood
VeneersandStatistical analysis

Timeliness of data
In most cases the authors were able to report the 2004 and first half 2005 figures.

Geography
A fundamental point specific to European statistics is the meaning of “Europe”. There are several
definitions:x Geographical i.e. West of Ourals. It is worth noting that UNECE includes Russia in some

European data seriesx Geo-political e.g. “West Europe”
x Political e.g. EU15 formerly and EU25 now, some statistical reports including the three current

candidate countries.
x Sectoral for each industry e.g. “European Panel Federation Member Countries”. Some tradeorganisations do not associate all the producers of a country e.g, for plywood, UFC regroups only
95% of the French plywood manufacturers, and some European federations do not regroup all
countries e.g., for plywood, UK is not a member of the European Plywood Federation.
Each reference to Europe is clearly identified in the present report - - EU15, EU25, EPF countries,
etc. --

Data reference
When the definition is relevant to a particular set of data, it is explicitly mentioned which Europe theauthors are referring to. All sources are quoted. This report incorporates statistical data from a wide
range of sources. The main ones are reported in the following table.

Units
Various quantity units are used in the forest products trade (m3 for roundwood, sawnwood and panels,
m2 for some veneers and parquet, linear meter for mouldings, etc.) as well as the Round Wood
Equivalent (RWE) for each product.

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The customs statistics do not use this full range of units and for several products the quantity isexpressed in Metric Tonnes (MT). There are conventional conversion factors 10 between weight andvolume and between actual volume and RWE. Whenever it was possible the unit of the original data
set has been kept, and the authors checked the homogeneity of the data with the conventional
conversion factors.
Nomenclature
The Harmonised System product nomenclature is based on the trade of products. It is not easy toread and understand even for wood specialists. The ubiquitous “other”s in every paragraph are,deliberately or not, misused and a substantial amount of wood products end up under the wrong
heading. Some exporters/importers take advantage of the confusion created by the complexity of thenomenclature to opt for the cheaper tariff. The authors have endeavoured to analyse carefully thecustoms statistics to correct some of the more evident mistakes.
The NACE Nomenclature is the Nomenclature of Economic Activities in the European Community
providing a harmonized statistical classification of economic activities in the EU. In contrast to theHarmonized System, which provides a classification according to trade, the NACE system classifies
economic activity in terms of production corresponding to the nature of goods and services produced
or by the nature of the production process used. NACE 20 comprehends the manufacture of wood andwood products, except furniture, which falls under NACE 36.10. Using the NACE classification, theEuropean woodworking industry can be subdivided into the following subsectors:
x NACE 20.10 : sawmilling and planing of wood, impregnation of wood;x NACE 20.20 : manufacture of veneer sheets, manufacture of plywood, laminboard,
particleboard, fibreboard and other panels and boards;
x NACE 20.30 : manufacture of builders’ carpentry and joinery;x NACE 20.40 : manufacture of wooden containers;
x NACE 20.50 : manufacture of other products of wood, manufacture of articles of cork, straw
and plaiting materials;
x NACE 36.10: manufacture of furniture.
Figures for 2004 were unfortunately not yet available. Due to restructuring activities that are taking
place within the statistical database of Eurostat, also the figures for 2003 may include some estimates,
though they provide you with the currently best available information on the woodworking industry.
Doc: CEI Bois
The NAF Nomenclature is the Nomenclature of Economic Activities in France 11. NAF keeps the
structure of NACE Rev 11, adding more national levels:
x 20.1A Sawmilling and planing
x 20.1B Impregnation
x 20.2Z Panel manufacturing
x 20.3Z Builders joinery and carpentry
x 20.4Z Packaging
x 20.5A Various wood objects
x 20.5C Cork and wicker work10

Volume / Weight :Coniferous logs: 1.43 m3/ton
Non-coniferous tropical logs: 1.37 m3/ton
Non-coniferous non-tropical logs: 1.25 m3/ton
Coniferous sawnwood: 1.82 m3/ton
Non-coniferous sawnwood: 1.43 m3/ton
Veneer: 1.33m3/ton
Plywood: 1.54m3/ton

11

http://www.insee.fr/fr/nom_def_met/nomenclatures/naf/pages/naf.htm-16-

Identification of tropical products:
In the specialised (UNECE, UCBD) databases most wood based products are differentiated according
to “temperate”, “coniferous” and “tropical”. It is not always the case in the general databases. The
French customs do it for some products only. In the case of veneers, there is a peculiar problem related
to the different nature of products reported under the same heading: sliced veneers and peeled veneers
are two different products by end-use, distribution and manufacturing network and last but not least byvalue.

Estimates
When faced with a lack of identification of the products as “tropical” combined with the uncertainties
of the nomenclature declaration (See paragraph above) the authors based their estimates on theassumption that all wood based products coming from tropical countries were made of tropical wood.
When part of the data is clearly identified as tropical the authors added it to “other” woods products to
produce their total estimate. In some cases e.g. plywood from Brazil, the authors have mentioned thatthe data incorporates products other than tropical.

Data Comparison:
For each product, and when several sources have been available, a table summarising the different
figures has been added.
Table 1.3.2
Main Statistical Data Sourcesof the Report
Product

FranceEuropeUN

Roundwood

LCB
Customs
FNB

UCBD

UNECE
FAO
Comtrade

Sawnwood

LCB
Customs

UCBD

Plywood

LCB
Customs
UFC

UCBD
FEIC
EPF

UNECE
FAO
Comtrade
UNECE
FAO
Comtrade

Veneers

LCB
Customs

UCBD

UNECE
FAO
Comtrade

Furniture

IPEA
Customs

UEA

Comtrade

Parquet

UFFEP
Customs

FEP

-17-

1.4

Data Reliability Assessment

The authors’ conclusions, on the basis of the study and evaluation of the different sources of statistical
data, and after having consulted with professionals in the trade, importers, industrials, port operators,
trade associations, stevedoring companies, forwarders, are as follows:
French Production and consumption.
The recording of data by the Customs authorities, SCEES, and SESSI, is carried out by professionals
committed to quality; very serious efforts are made to produce timely reliable statistics.
Le Commerce du Bois (LCB) follows up with the Customs Authorities in regard of any apparent
anomaly in respect of import statistics, and necessary corrections are made after investigation into
possible errors.
One possible margin of difference between recorded production and actual production, and between
recorded consumption and actual consumption could lie in un-reported activities by enterprises with aview to escaping value-added tax.
Whilst such un-recorded activity does take place, it is considered to be of marginal over-all
importance, not exceeding a few percent of the total activity.
Inter-European Traffic
Any and all exchange of goods between members of the European Union, is to be declared by thecompany or person who buys or sells goods across national borders.
The “Déclaration d’échanges de biens entre états membres de la C.E.E.” = Declaration of exchange ofgoods between members of the European Economic Union must be made on a monthly basis to thecustoms authorities.
None of the timber trading companies interviewed has I.T. interfase between the company’scommercial database and the “Déclaration d’échanges de biens” i.e. the “déclaration” is mademanually. Errors and omissions do undoubtedly occur.
The authors have consulted the Ministry of Economy, Finance, and Industry, Customs Servides with
our questions as to the reliability of the statistics. Their reply, dated 05/10/2005 spells out theprocedures and means of control employed by the customs authorities. It is not possible for thecustoms authorities to verify all declarations.

An example:
Belgium and the Netherlands, where major timber-receiving ports are situated, appear to haverelatively larger tropical wood consumption than countries less rich in ports such as Germany, Poland,and other Central and East European countries. So far as France is concerned, it is estimated that there
is probably some import of notably Asian sawnwood and plywood into France from North European
ports, which may not all have been correctly recorded. There may also be some export from Southern
French ports into Northern Spain and Italy, which is not necessarily all precisely reported.
The following evaluations of reliability are made with the reservation of some uncertainty as regards
un-reported inter-European traffic.
The possible un-reported volumes in and out of France are considered to be minor, over-all not morethan a few percent of the recorded volume.

-18-

UCBD endeavours to make a critical evaluation of all elements which enter into the European timber
import statistics, including inter-european movements, as well as discrepancies due to timing
differences.
The difference in volume of export and import in a given calendar period, can in a number of cases be
explained by the difference in time between departure of a given shipment of timber products from theproducing country and arrival date in the importing country.
NomenclatureIndustrial roundwood
There is little scope for error as regards the interpretation of the nomenclature for industrial
roundwood. The authors conclude that statistical records of tropical industrial roundwood are as
precise as can reasonably be expected; possible variances are not expected to exceed a few percent.

Sawnwood
The category 44.07. includes both rough sawnwood imported free of duty, and certain planed andotherwise transformed sawnwood products, which are subject to duty. This can lead to some error,
both voluntary and involuntary. Overall, the authors conclude that the recording of sawnwood imports
and exports represents the actual volumes, any error not exceeding a few percent.

Plywood and secondary processed wood products.
Nomenclatures are not easy to interpret for the actors in the timber trade. As different nomenclatures
carry different import duties, importers can have an interest in confusing one product category withanother. As such, there is probably a higher margin of error in these product categories. There could be
errors, for instance as to whether plywood has an okoume face or a bintangor face or whether a pieceof planed, moulded timber is for one end-use or another.
Overall, the authors evaluate that total volumes are recorded within a few percent margin of error
tolerance, however, there could be bigger variances as regards the correct recording of individual
product groups. For instance, there could be a higher recorded volume of “mouldings”, a productnomenclature that carries no import duty, than the real volume.
Conversely, there could be a lower recorded volume of parquet nomenclature 44 18 30 10 which
carries a 3% import duty, than the real volume.
The authors have asked the Customs Service Department of Fraud for their comments and evaluations.
In case an answer can be obtained – verbally – the authors shall bring this information along toYokohama in November.

-19-

1.5

Nomenclature and tariffs

Product nomenclature: HS
The European product nomenclature is based on the Harmonised System, and provides a classificationaccording to trade. As it is, the document is not easy to read and understand. This (too) long list of
options with so many paragraphs starting with “other than …” is easily misleading.
The most practical illustration is given by the plywood nomenclature (Chapter 4412). Quite asubstantial amount of plywood ends up under the wrong heading. For instance, plywood panels oflesser known tropical species are apparently declared indifferently under code 4412 13 90 or 4412 14
00 (“… other, at least one outer ply of non coniferous wood”). In the later case they eventually appear
in some statistical summaries as “Temperate hardwood plywood” One example to illustrate this fact
(LCB Imports Year 2004 Report, based on French Customs statistics):
Table 1.5.1
France: Plywood Imports from Indonesia
2004
Code
QTY m34412…..
Coniferous
19 00
177
Temperate *14 00
15 611
13 10
Tropical
19 58413 90
22 99
Overlaid
29 80
15
92 99
22 91
29 20
Others
219
92 91
99 20
Total
35 606* In French: Feuillus (Hardwoods)
Data source : French Customs / LCB

It is quite clear that in the case of Indonesia the panels listed as “Temperate hardwoods” in some
European statistical reports were in fact “Tropical”. An analysis of imports statistics from Brazil
brings similar conclusions. As it is now, the nomenclature is too complicated, ambiguous and difficult
to check. This potential source of mistakes, when combined with rather high tariff, facilitates frauds.

Tariffs
The tariffs applied in France are the EU tariffs as specified by TARIC (Integrated Tariff of theEuropean Communities) 12. Tariffs vary from nil to 10% (2, 2.5, 2.7, 3, 4.9, 6, 7, 10 %). One could
question the need and logic of so many tariffs for similar products. Again, a simplification is desirable.
The tariffs corresponding to each product are listed in the report. In the particular case of plywood ananti-dumping case originated a modification of tariffs regarding some types of plywood imported from
China. See details in 2.3.

Traders’ opinion
Most traders would prefer a simplified (and more efficient) nomenclature of which the lists -- andspecially the wood based panels list -- would be drastically shortened. This would ease the work ofmany people, including the customs officers. Identifying the products according to the current
nomenclature is not an easy task. Some buyers take advantage of the confusion created by thecomplexity of the nomenclature to opt for the cheaper tariff. The plywood committee of the French
Timber Trade Federation (LCB) is currently working on a series of recommendations for the national
administration.
12

TARIC: http://europa.eu.int/comm/taxation_customs/dds/en/home.htm

-20-

1.6

The French economy

France: the second largest European residential building market
In 2004, France had 61.7 million inhabitants, making it the twentieth most populated country in theworld and the second most populated in the European Union (EU) after Germany. After a nearstagnation in 2003, the French economy has slightly recovered in 2004 with a growth of its
GDP amounting to 1.4%. According to the first official figures, GDP could remain at thesame level for 2005. 13 This rather weak growth should keep the public deficit under thesymbolic limit of 3% of the GDP. The expectations of the French government for 2006 are
more optimistic and GDP growth should reach about 2.2 %.
Table 1.6.1
FranceEconomic Indicators
Units

Actual2002
1,7%
1,02 €
2%

Actual2003
0,7%
0,90 €
1,8%

Actual
2004
2%
0,9 €
2%

GDP
% +/Exchange Rate
Euro / US$
Inflation (RPI)% +/Industrial
Base 100
101
99
102
Production
year 2000
Housing Starts
305 000
315 000
363 000
Housing
260 000
270 000
310 000
Completions
Source FNB, European Softwood Conference Market Report 2005

Estimate
2005
1,4%
1,2 €
1,7%

Estimate
2006
2%
1,2 €
1,6%

103

104

380 000

385 000

325 000

330 000

Interest rates remain at low levels in France and fuel the construction market.
Figure 1.6.1

France. Interest rate
Source: Banque de France

Construction in Europe
Following three years of sluggish construction activities, particularly in Western Europe during 20022003, but also in Central and Eastern Europe during 2001-2002, the overall building industry pickedup again in 2004. The total construction output amounted to more than 1,152 billion EUR, which

13

Source FNB, European Softwood Conference Market Report 2005-21-

represents an increase of 2% compared to 2003. This growth was mainly thanks to a remarkable
recovery of the residential construction sector, which had been suffering severely in recent years andrestrained the overall building performance to a large extent, since the residential segment accounts for
44% of all European construction activities.
In Western Europe, the construction industry will have reached its highest growth rate of 1.9% in
2004, almost exclusively on account of a sharp rebound in new residential housing. New housing
starts peaked in several countries (Austria, Finland, France, Italy, Norway, Spain and Switzerland),
which even led to new record levels in some of these countries. The number of completions is foreseen
to peak in 2005. Renovation will probably remain the most flourishing segment with accelerating
growth rates until 2007. During 2004, the Western European construction output increased from 1,089
billion EUR to 1,110 billion EUR. Within the residential construction market, Germany maintained its
leading position in 2004, even though its market share continued to decline further. Also Italy andSpain faced a smaller market share compared to 2003, whereas France (15 % of the market) and the
UK were able to gain some points.
Figure 1.6.2
Shares of Western and Central Europe Residential Housing Market %Belgium
2%
Austria3%
Ireland3%

Source: Euroconstruct

Others12%Germany
23%

Netherlands
6%

UK
11%

Spain
12%

France
15%

Italy
13%

Construction in France
In 2004 new private home construction reached a 20-year high of 340,000 units of housing. Thisfavourable trend is continuing in 2005, new construction permits reached 440,000 units. The level ofactivity is reported good both by industrials, importers, and distributors of timber and other building
products.
Figure 1.6.3
400

x 1000350

FranceHousing Starts
Sour ce: INSEE

300
250
200
150

Multiple dwellings

100

Single dwellings

50
0
2001

2002

2003

-22-

2004

The factors influencing this favourable level of home construction are the low level of interest rates forlong-term building loans, strong increases in the price of homes in literally all areas of France, i.e.
investing in one’s home is the best money placement possible.
The non-residential construction market also picked up again, mainly thanks to a strong rise in the
education and health sectors, while commercial construction failed to give impetus. Renovation andmaintenance activities are still strong during 2005 thanks to a reduced VAT rate applicable until atleast the end of 2005, tax-relief measures for certain types of work, improvement activities required
following the purchase of existing houses (nearly 600,000 annually) and the impact of urban renewal
programs. 14

14

Source : EPF http://www.mdf-info.org/website%5Fepf/main_tc.html

-23-

1.7

The European wood industry

A diversified industry
The European woodworking industry covers a wide range of activities: sawmilling, planing,
impregnation of wood, veneer and wood-based panels manufacturing, joinery, pallets, containers,
packaging and furniture. The European woodworking industry includes more than 100,000 companies
and employs around 2.7 million workers in EU25 15 . The majority of the companies are small or
medium-sized in most sectors with the exception of panel manufacturing and large sawmills. CEIBois, the European confederation of woodworking industries, represents the interests of the European
industry. 16
Table 1.7.1
Europe (EU 15)
Woodworking industry production (Million Euro)
Production (excl. VAT)
20.10 Sawmilling & Impregnation
20.20 Panels & Veneers
20.30 Carpentry & Joinery
20.40 Packaging
20.50 Cork & Others
36.10
Total
Source CEI Bois / Eurostat

1999
16.48811.942
20.7894.703
8.681
91.264153.867

2000
17.63113.13421.8195.218
9.384
95.599162.7852001
17.12013.02322.2884.674
8.079
82.565147.749

2002
17.256
12.61323.2054.876
8.014
81.420147.384

2003
17.61613.08023.9685.082
8.105
79.418147.269

Figure 1.7.1 Production 2003 – Relative importance of the EU Member States Industries
Austria
4%
Finland4%

Others
12%

Italy
21%

Sweden6%
EFrance8%
Source: CEI
Bois

15
16

Spain
10%

Germany
21%

UK
14%

Data CEI Bois
CEI Bois
Allée Hof-ter-Vleest 5, 5/4
BE-1070 Brussels, Belgium
Tel : +32 2 556 25 85
Fax : +32 2 556 25 95
http://www.cei-bois.org

-24-

2003
12%
9%
17%
3%
5%
54%
100%

The performance of the woodworking industries, including furniture, is very much depending upon theactivity of the construction sector, as this counts for the major volumes of sales in the “building” and“living” areas. In fact, a vast majority of the products produced by the European woodworking sector
find their way into the construction sector, both for structural and non-structural applications, as well
as more decorative purposes.
Figure 1.7.2
Relative importanceof EU industries
in value 2003

Sawmilling,
Impregn.
12%
Panels9%

Furniture
54%
Joinery,
Carpentry
17%
Others5%

Packaging
3%

The furniture industry is one of the largest European manufacturing industries and, even witha decreasing share due to a deep and durable crisis, it still accounts for 38% of the world’s
production. Since 2001, the production value of the furniture industry has been deteriorating
sharply. This downward trend in the production value of the furniture industry is reflected in
the relative importance shares as shown in Figure 1.7.2.
The European industry 2010 roadmap
The "Roadmap 2010 for the European woodworking industries" is an action launched by CEI-Bois
with the aim of:x producing an updated analysis on key factors and challenges affecting the European
woodworking industries;x identifying the opportunities for the sector;
x describing the ideal position;
x producing an action programme for the European woodworking industries towards 2010;
within the general vision of "Wood and wood products to become the leading material in construction
and interior solutions by 2010".
The final aim of this study is the establishment of an action programme targeted to the industries, theirassociations and the authorities. Within the Roadmap action, work was performed on different areas,such as:x Environmental analyses and wood and fibre availability;
x Market developments on European and non-European markets;
x Barriers to an enhanced use of wood in Europe;
x Perception analyses.
Summaries and preliminary conclusions from work in these various areas and the general conclusions
drawn from the action overall, finetuned in discussions with key players in the European
woodworking sector, can be found in the preliminary conclusions.

-25-

1.8

The French Forest Resource

The French forest has increased from 8 to 16 million hectares during the 150 year period from 1850 to2000.
The most densely forested area is in Les Landes, mediterranean pine plantations in the region between
Bordeaux and the Spanish border– Europe’s largest man-made forest outside Scandinavia.

Figure.1.8.1 shows the French forest cover, geographically.
Source: Agreste 2000: La Forêt et les industries du bois.

-26-

Table 1.8.2 shows the annual incremental growth.
Source Agreste
100
90
80
70

Softw ood

60
Million m3 50
40
30
Hardw ood20
10
0

The 8.6 million ha of hardwood forest contains 1.2 billion m3 hardwood, producing an annual
incremental growth of 48 million m3.
The 5 million ha of softwood forest contain 800 million m3 softwood producing an annual incremental
growth of 39 million m3.
Out of these 87 million cbm annual growth, the annual timber capital increase is 27 million m3 (nonharvested growth).
3 million m3 is lost due to illness, forest fires, etc.

Roundwood Production
The timber harvest consists ofx

23 million m3 for firewoodx

11 million m3 for chips (pulp, chipboard, etc.)x

19 million m3 for sawnwood and veneerx

4 million m3 represents logging/harvesting loss.

x

The industrial roundwood harvested consists of two thirds softwood, one third hardwoods.

-27-

Table 1.8.3 Illustrates the use of the annual incremental growth.

3

3 Mio m4 Mio m3

61
27 Mio m3

Logging/harvesting loss 1
19 Mio m3

2

5

Logs for chips 3
4Firewood

3
4

Sawnwood and veneer 2

5

11 Mio m3

Capital increase
6

Lost due to ilness andforest fire

23 Mio m3

History
Up until the middle of the 1800’s, wood was practically the only source of energy. Forests were being
depleted for fuelwood.
Once the railways came into operation, the coalmines could deliver fuel more competitively to thetowns and industries, and the forest resource was recreated.
At the same time, a massive re-forestation was initiated, creating the big Pine forests of the Landes,
and huge softwood plantations in the MidFrench Central Highlands.
Forests had been depleted, as in many other European countries, during the preceding centuries, tosupply timber to the navy and the merchant marine.
With all this wood capital – why import?
In absolute terms, France does not need to import wood. Modern processing techniques permit theutilization of the species, sizes, and qualities of timber available for manufacture into all the country’s
needed wood products, veneer, plywood, sawn timber, joinery, mouldings, parquet, wood furniture,and other Secondary Processed Wood Products.
So why does France import several Billion $ worth of wood products every year?
France, like almost all other countries in the world, import wood products which offer the consumer abetter solution than could be made from domestic timber, be it quality, specification, aesthetics – orprice.
It is often a combination of several of these factors.
We shall comment on the specific factors influencing the import of each product group.

-28-

1.9

The French Wood Industry

Forest Harvesting
The 35 million m3 harvested and marketed annually from the French forest is produced by 5500
enterprises employing 7000 persons.350 companies, 6% of the total number, employs 3600 persons,and produce two thirds of the total production.
2000 enterprises are one-person operations felling less than 500 m3 per year.
The number of one-person operations is being reduced every year. There are today 40% less forest
operators than there were 20 years ago. The total number of persons employed in log harvesting has
been reduced by 60% over the same period as productivity has increased.
The majority of the hardwood is harvested in North Eastern France, and the softwood primarily comesfrom Les Landes and Les Vosges.
Sawmills
The number of sawmills has been reduced from 5200 in 1980 to less than 2800 today, and the numberof persons employed has been more than halved from 26,000 to less than 13,000 persons.
3% of the sawmills saw more than 20,000 m3 sawnwood per year, they represent one third of France’s
total sawnwood production.
The sawnwood production consists of
2.5 million m3 hardwood
7 million m3 softwood
Figure 1.9.1

10
9
8
7
Softwood

6
Million m3 5
4
3
2

Hardwood

10

The hardwood sawnwood production continues to decline, at the same time as softwood sawnwood
production increases regularly.
Most of the hardwood sawmills are found in North Eastern France, and most of the softwood mills are
in Les Landes, the Alps, and Les Vosges.

-29-Plywood, veneer, and panel Production
This industry is also being concentrated into fewer, more efficient units with larger production
volumes in order to achieve economy of scale.
The international competition is fierce, and the panel producing groups are being concentrated on
fewer and fewer hands.
60 companies employ 8000 persons; there will undoubtedly be further restructuring of this industry.
Most of the panel industry is found in Western France, between the Spanish border and Normandy.
The second most important concentration is in North Eastern France.
The woodworking industry
employs 40,000 persons, in 600 companies. Most of the wood working industry is also located in theWestern part of France, as well as in the North East.
The furniture industry
The number of furniture industries is falling rapidly, as is the number of people employed.
Production and export is declining, as low-priced furniture is imported from low-cost producers intropical countries, China, Central and Eastern Europe – as well as other countries such as Turkey.
The competition on price is fierce.
All the traditional West and North European furniture industries are suffering – in Italy, Spain, France,
Germany, Denmark – as is also the case in USA.
The number of furniture manufacturers is today less than 600, with less than 65,000 persons employed- a dramatic reduction over the last few years.
Additional information about the French forest industry is found in, and seen from the point of view of
1.12 Consumption by region
1.14 Logistics and ports
2.2. Sawnwood
2.3 Plywood
2.4. Veneer
2.5.Furniture
2.6 Joinery
2.7 Mouldings
2.8 Parquet
Source 1717

www.agreste.agriculture.gouv.fr

-30-

1.10

The French Trade Structure.

General Trend.
The trade structure has been made more direct in all facets of the timber trade, bringing the producer
closer to the consumer, reducing the number – and cost – of all intermediaries whose intervention can
be avoided.
RetailLooking at the structure with the eyes of the consumer,
we enclose overview of the distribution by retail channel of the different wood products,
Figure 1.10.1
Parquet1500 MMF
630 MMF

Interior Joinery
320 MMF
630 MMF

Builders Merchants parquet

Interior Joinery

D.I.Y.
Builders Merchants

Exterior Joinery
1100 MMF
473 MMF

Mouldings
730 MMF
315 MFF

2500

2000

MFF

1500

1000

500

0

D.I.Y.

Exterior
Joinery

Mouldings

Builders Merchants
The biggest chain of builders merchants in France is the biggest timber distributor group in Europe.
This group is at the same time a manufacturer of joinery, both in France and in South America.

-31-

This group is vertically integrated, with its own procurement of timber products from all the sourcing
areas in the world, and with its own stocks in the ports to serve the nationwide net of own timber
distributors.
The next-largest group is also nation-wide in its distribution, with vertical integration downstream,including its own production lines essentailly to pre-finish a range of timber building products.
Other building material chains have strong regional bases from which they are expanding, some withnational ambitions.
The individual family-owned local timber merchants are usually working together with other timbermerchants in large nationwide procurement groups in order to secure the most favourable buying
conditions allowing them to compete against the large national chains.

Do-It-Yourself, Garden Centers, Home Improvement Stores
12 major chains and a range of regional and local DIY-type retailers compete for market share in an
over-all growing market.
The DIY groups procure their wood products as directly from the source as possible.
From domestic and European manufacturers purchasing is usually direct with truck deliveries toregional distribution platforms.
Internationally, these groups endeavour to procure as direct as possible, be it from Finland or China,
with varying degrees of success.
Importer/ Distributers.

Looking at the wood products trade with the eyes of the importer/distributor,
this link of the trade procures their timber products from:

Overseas Suppliersin direct trading, usually based on long-term mutual-interest relationships.
As regards, the well-established trades in, e.g. Nordic softwoods, orders for sawn timber, sheet
material, SPWP which represent regular repetitive product specifications, are usually well defined andrespected.
Hardwood supply, both temperate and tropical is more difficult in many cases, mainly due to thenature of the variances in the raw material yielded from the forest, from time to time, and from one
geographical place to the other.
So far as roundwood is concerned, the buyer will come to inspect the logs, or appoint a representative
to carry out the inspection before shipment.
So far as sawnwood and Secondary processed wood products from hardwood sources, are concerned,
suppliers are basically divided into 2 categories

Producer/Shippers Protecting Their Brand Image
These shippers, be they in Pennsylvania or in Congo, have a policy of, and invest in supplying a
regular product which meets with the client’s satisfaction.

-32-

Less regular suppliers
Another category of suppliers will try to supply product specifications and qualities which correspondwith what the forest can yield in the way of raw material at any given time, and what the downstream
manufacturing facilties can best produce, at any given time.
From less regular suppliers, the overseas buyer will usually arrange for inspection of the goods before
shipment.

Agents, Brokers
Agents and brokers are employed less and less in the international timber trade, both temperate andtropical.
The large groups who represent the bulk of the trade both on the production and the import level, areable to communicate direct both as regards commercial and technical matters.
Smaller importers, and less regular buyers may employ the services of agents and brokers, such as
sellers of timber products who do not have their own marketing structures, may employ middle-men.
However, in the age of the internet, well-functioning international telephone and fax, relatively cheap
airfares to many destinations, the trend goes towards direct trading between the principals.

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1.11

The French balance of timber trade

A continuous decline: less exports, more imports
The French balance of forest products is negative (- 3.4 billion euro in 2004). The woodworking andfurniture foreign balances of trade are continuously declining. For sawn hardwood the balance remains
positive but the balance for sawn softwood is deeply negative and worsening.
Figure 1.11.1
Billion Euro

3
2.5
2
1.5

Imports

FranceWoodworking industries(Incl Sawmilling) Foreign trade1
0.5

Exports
Balance

0
1998

-0.5
-1

1999

2000

2001

2002

2003

Data source SESSI-1.5

The furniture industry is more directly exposed to globalization than the other industries. During 2004,
exports rosed by 1% and imports by 11% 18.
Figure 1.11.2
2.5

Billion

2
1.5
1
0.5

Imports
Exports
Balance

FranceFurniture foreign trade

0
1998

1999

2000

2001

2002

2003

-0.5
-1
-1.5

The wood-based panels balance of trade remains positive as well as cooperage, a French specialty.

18

Source : Agreste conjoncture, n°1 2005

-34-

1.12

Consumption by geographical region within France

The big national distributors are erasing regional differences in wood consumption
habits.

Lack of data
There are no available statistics of the consumption of tropical timber by geographical region.
The authors have shown in some of the individual product reports where the factories are situatedwhich consume tropical timber. These factories distribute, in most cases, their products nation-wide.

Figure 1.12.1 : Panel Products Manufacturers(companies with more than 20 employees)

Figure 1.12.2 : Furniture Factories(all companies)

Doc: SESSI Bois 2004

Doc: SESSI Bois 2004

In grey : companies employing between 1-19
persons
In blue : companies employing more than 20
persons.
One educated guess that can be made as to the regions in which the final tropical timber product isused more than in others, is by super-imposing a map of the most densely populated regions, upon amap showing the highest proportion of medium- and high incomes.
This map, figure 1.12.3 shows the more densely populated Northern France, with higher incomes,
representing higher purchasing power for tropical timber than Southern France does.
South of the Loire river, there are only the regions of Lyon, Marseille, Bordeaux, Toulouse andMontpellier which represent major centres of purchasing power.
North of the Loire River, the Paris region is by far the most densely populated and the one with thehighest incomes, followed by Lille, Nantes, Rennes, Rouen, Nancy, Strasbourg and Orleans.
There is, however, in France, as in Europe in general, a strong demographic trend developing ofpeople moving away from the north to the warmer climates of the south.

-35-

Figure 1.12.3

Timber Use – Traditions
Traditionally, French consumers utilized the timber they found in their local region: hardwoods in the
North and West of France, softwoods in the mountains of the Alps, Jura, the Pyrenees, the Vosges, andthe MidFrench Central Highlands.
The tradition in the Mediterranean areas was to build in stone, wood was generally not used forexterior use when other materials could be found.
The traditional wood-working craftsman’s skills are found in the forested areas stated above, whereas
there are less such skilled wood craftsmen in the Mediterranean area.
This factor in itself has presented an obstacle to developing wood use in the Mediterranean areas.

-36-Timber use – today
Today people have more time, and traditions are changing so that more time is spent on home building
and renovation, Do-It-Yourselfers are learning, also in the Mediterranean, how to work with wood.
Today, the big national wood products distributors stock and distribute the same product range inevery one of the depots all over France.This is one factor which is erasing regional differences inwood consumption.
French Oak is considered by most French consumers as one of the most noble species, durable,
aesthetically pleasing, an upmarket product.
Prices for solid, high-grade wood products, such as windows and doors, are expensive compared withlaminated, veneer-covered wood products, be it furniture, joinery, mouldings or other SPWP.
As such, the products made from expensive upmarket solid oak and other “noble” hardwood species
are sold to that part of the population which enjoys the highest incomes, see section 1.3. Revenue by
region.

Examples of remaining regional differences
There are still some regional differences in consumption habits:
Softwood, in general, is looked upon as an inferior product, less durable, thus less “noble” thanhardwoods.
However, in the Alps, the tradition of using softwood is being maintained, manufacturers anddistributors are catering to this specific market with softwood windows, doors, mouldings, beams, etc.

Climatic differences.
Climatic conditions determine certain regional species preferences:
The Western part of North and Central France are the main users of species such as Movingui, Moabi,
Mengkulang for exterior joinery.
These species tend to suffer in the hot and dry Mediterranean areas, where Niangon and Merantis
stand up better to big variations in temperature and humidity.
Western Red Cedar enjoys popularity in the Alps – a traditional softwood area – and on the Atlantic
Coast where its technical and aesthetic characteristics are appreciated in these often humid conditions.
The French Riviera – Côte d’Azur, has a tradition of using Walnut. Nowadays, frake bariolé stained
to appear like walnut, imported from West Africa, is used for making joinery, interior doors andstaircases, mainly for the Côte d’Azur area.

Hydraulic works
Azobe is being used for hydraulic works, mainly in Atlantic and Mediterranean ports and yacht
harbours.

The Outdoor Timber fashion
has been promoted nationally, and touches today every corner of France.

-37-

The leading product in this group, Decking, naturally finds more utilization in the beach and poolenvironment of Southern France - both Mediterranean and Atlantic - than North of the Loire.

The skilled craftsman
Generally, timber has been used more in the areas with a timber tradition – and especially – withskilled craftsmen to work the wood.
There are less and less young people learning the trade to become skilled wood craftsmen. The local“menuisier” = joiner, is today more often installing a factory-bought window, door, or kitchen
furniture, than making it himself.
This trend is changing the wood products industry and distribution – less craftsman- produced wood
products, more factory mass-produced wood products for the house/apartment/garden.

-38-

1.13

Promotion

The French Timber industry and trade associations have been investing on a regular and frequent basis
in promoting the use of timber.
CNDB
Le Comité national pour le développement du bois (CNDB) = The National Committee for Wood
Development, is the national organization which promotes wood. The CNDB is composed of thenational trade and industry federations, and regional wood organizations. CNBD’s promotional efforts
are supported by local, regional, and national government bodies, both financially and in othermanners.
CNBD is the organization which promotes wood towards the building industry, and the productspecifiers.
CNDBh supported by different funding both from public and private sources, have over the years beenrunning decade-long promotion campaigns.
« J’aime le bois » (« I love wood ») ran for almost a decade, and is still seen in many timber offices
around France.
« Le Bois avance » (« Wood is advancing ») ran, likewise for most of a decade, and is still the official
slogan on f.inst. the CTBA website.
The current campaign is employing the TV media to reach a wide public audience: « Le Bois – c’est
essentiel » (« Wood – that’s essential »)This campaign which is running TV spots on 4 of the leading French TV channels, reached during
November and December 2004 more than 26 million viewers with a message saying« Did you know that in Europe it does the forest good when you consume wood? »This campaign is financed equally by the CNDB of France and NTC, the Nordic Timber Council (thepromotion arm of the Nordic Timber producing countries).

The success was repeated with a concentration of 100 spots during May and June 2005.
In total, 34 million TV viewers have now seen the ad, a 10- second spot, seen 5-6 times by the same
person, begins to have the desired impact.
Simultaneously, a newspaper and magazine advertisement »This child makes the forest grow »underlines the positive effect on the forest when wood is consumed. This campaign has reached 26
million readers, and will be repeated in the autumn of 2005.
The website www.bois.com is addressing the public with practical information about wood use ; sofar 52,000 visitors have been to this site, to obtain information about how to use wood in the home, thegarden, for joinery, decking, etc.
Given more spare time, there are now more D-I-Y wood users in France than ever before. This website helps new wood users learn how to use the right material and products for the right end-uses, how
to install the wood product, how to finish it to ensure proper maintenance, etc.
The timber trade distributes posters and stickers « Le Bois – c’est essentiel ». They subscribe to thenewsletter « Lettre de campagne » which keeps them informed of the communication campaign.
hwww.cndb.org-39-

Figure 1.13.1“Le Bois enfonce le clou” – part of the campaign “Le Bois – c’est essentiel”.
Source CNDB.
The timber trade
The timber trade has created the web-site www.bois.com/professionnels/campagne. whereconstruction companies, architects, builders obtain information about wood-product use in technicallyadvanced projects, such as an off-shore platform, a bridge without tonnage limitation, a grand newcinema complex.
The purpose of these information campaigns is to repair the negative image of wood use and its impact
on the forest, which many people have received, with messages such as:“The majority of the world’s forests are producing more wood than is being harvested.”“Using wood is an ecological act, wood is one of the very few renewable building materials.”
The target is to re-build the positive image of wood use within 3 years, and convince the public thatwood is a modern, high-performing building material, it is ecological, a renewable source, aesthetic,
fashionable.
The timing of the campaigns is well chosen : the level of activity in the building sector, both new
construction and renovation is at a 20 year peak.

All timber, from all origins, benefit from the campaigns.

-40-

“Accord Plan - construction – environnement”

Figure 1.13.2 Plan bois-construction environnement.
Plan Bois – Construction
In March 2001, The Government and all major representative bodies of the wood industry and trade as
well as representative bodies from the construction and related sectors signed the above-stated « frame
agreement – construction – environment ».
The target is to increase the use of wood as a building material in construction, from 10% wood usedin 2001 to reach a level of 12.5% in 2010.
A study has been ordered which will up-date the data on wood use in construction in 2005/2006.
No up-to-date figures are available at this time. The construction and building trade generally consider
the intention of the « Accord Cadre – Construction – Environnement » to be good, but very difficult to
put into application.
It is unlikely that this frame agreement has had any material impact on the wood use in construction.

-41-

1.14

Logistics and ports in France

Ocean shipping
Shipping of logs from West Africa to France has become more difficult to organize and far more
expensive as the freight market increased substantially during 2004. Added to this, the important
increase in cost of fuel, particularly in 2005.
China’s continued growing need for raw material of all kinds – including wood – has created upward
pressure in the freight market, not least for bulk cargo vessels.

Ports
The log and sawn timber receiving ports are generally well equipped with deep water draft and safe
berths; immediately adjacent or close storage space for first storage after discharge. These ports offer
warehouse space for fragile products; cranes, forklifts, trucks, and skilled manpower to discharge andon-forward the cargo; access to road, rail, and fluvial transport.

Antwerp

Le Havre
Honfleur
Caen

Nantes
La Pallice
Bordeaux

Bayonne
Sète

Barcelona

-42-

Genoa

Generally, French ports are expensive, compared with neighbouring countries, both per call-cost for
the vessel, and in terms of cargo handling unit cost.
Atlantic ports are relatively less expensive than the Mediterranean port of Sete.
Ports receiving tropical industrial roundwood and sawnwood in breakbulk.
x Bordeaux now has only 3 major timber importers left. There are no regular lines calling, theimporters have to make their own freighting arrangements from West Africa to Bordeaux.
There are 2 sawmills in Bordeaux cutting tropical logs.
Bordeaux arrivals totalled 15,000 tons in 2003, 24,000 tons of tropical timber in 2004.
x La Pallice is a deep-water port, direct on the ocean, offering a competitive cost structure for its– few – clients. La Pallice is the receiving port for the bulk of the Okoumé log import; themajority of the plywood factories are all situated within a couple of hundred km distance of La
Pallice.
Arrivals in La Pallice totalled 243,000 tons of tropical timber in 2003, 182,000 tons in 2004, mostly
okoumé logs. This places La Pallice – La Rochelle in No. 1. position amongst French tropical timberreceiving ports.
In La Pallice, only one tropical log sawmill remains operating, with two in the hinterland.
x Nantes: The bulk of the French timber trading community is domiciled in Nantes which

receives the bulk of the sawlog imports 51,000 tons in 2003, 65,000 tons in 2004.
Nantes has recently taken over some of the okoumé log trade from La Pallice.
Sawn tropical timber imports in Nantes totalled 63,000 tons in 2003 – 69,000 tons in 2004.
Total tropical timber arrivals in Nantes were thus 114,000 tons in 2003 – 134,000 tons in 2004.
Nantes has lost out over the last few years as regards the volume of Brazilian sawn timber
which is now being shipped in container from South Brazilian ports and from Belem, only
Santarem area origins are shipped in break bulk vessels.
Only one sawmill cutting tropical timber remains in operation in Nantes. There are two in thehinterland.
x Rouen-Honfleur: The ports which have taken over the import of Brazilian timber from Nantes,

are Rouen-Honfleur, now France’s third-biggest tropical timber receiving port with 93,000 tons
in 2003, and 115,000 tons in 2004 – of which the majority is logs, both Okoumé and sawlogs.
The big Honfleur sawmill has been closed, there are two sawmills cutting tropical logs
operating in the near environment.
x Caen is the 5th port for tropical timber, 40,000 tons of logs annually for the sawmill in that port,

plus 31,000 tons of sawn timber 2003 – 35,000 tons in 2004, totally 71,000 tons in 2003, 74,000
tons in 2004.
x Dunkerque receives a mere 3000 tons of logs annually plus 20,000 tons of sawn timber - animportant portion of which is American hardwoods.
x Bayonne received 8000 tons of logs in 2003, 7000 tons in 2004 – mostly Azobe for a specialty-

cutting sawmill.
x Sète: The port of Sète has been particularly affected by the decreased availability of bulk cargovessels, and now has no regular lines calling with bulk cargo vessels from West Africa – norfrom Asia – nor from South America.
The port and close vicinity of Sète, had 5 boules-cutting sawmills a few years ago. Today there
are 2 working full time, one working less than half time.

-43-

Ports receiving tropical and other timber products in containers.
Le Havre is France’s leading port and container terminal, followed by Marseilles, Rouen, Nantes.
Foreign ports receiving tropical timber destined for France
Antwerp is the leading port for break-bulk arrivals of Asian sawn timber and plywood.
Antwerp in Belgium and Algeciras in Spain are major container terminals from where containers are
on-forwarded to French destinations, by truck.
Barcelona in Spain and Genoa in Italy are ports of increasing importance, offering lower prices thantheir competitors in France, notably Sete.
French ports receiving softwood from Russia, Nordic and East European countries
Softwood now arrives only in Atlantic ports; there are no longer any arrivals in any Mediterranean
port (Russian timber was previously shipped from Odessa to Mediterranean ports.)
The Atlantic ports receiving softwood sawnwood and panel products are,x St. Malox Nantesx Fecamp
x La Rochelle
x Bordeauxx Rouen-Honfleurx Le legue (St.Brieuc)x Boulogne
x Caenx Le Treportx Paludenx Dunkerque,
Followed by Lorient, Le Treport, Sables d’Olonne, and Roscoff.
Increasing quantities of softwood from Scandinavia are now transported by truck direct from theproducing mills to final destination.
Logistics from port to final destination
France enjoys one of the world’s best networks of roads, motorways, railways, and coastal/river/canal
infrastructure for fluvial transport.
However, only road transport by truck is a practical commercial solution.
Rail and fluvial services exist, however, neither is flexible nor rapid, elements favoured by clients intoday’s world of J-I-T deliveries.

-44-

1.15

Environment

A fundamental issue for tropical wood in France
France, like a great number of countries in the world is concerned about the future of the tropicalforest. In France, the environmental NGOs are quite attentive to the management of the domestic
forests and survey closely the trade from tropical countries. In this context, the French government
announced in April 2004 an action plan in favour of the tropical forest. One year later, in April 2005,
the Government passed an important Decree (Circulaire) establishing guidelines for the public
procurement of wood 19 . One article of this plan is dedicated to public procurement. The public
procurement buyers are very cautious in respect of specifying tropical wood, because they do not haveany guarantee as to the origin, legal, and environmental aspects.
Public Procurement Decree (Circulaire)

Summary of the decree
The French Government action plan aims at increasing progressively in public wood procurement theshare of wood from legal origin producers committed to sustainable forest management (SFM).The
share should in 2007 represent at least 50% of the public wood procurement. The target for 2010 isthat 100% of the wood procurement complies with this requirement. These measures are part of thenational sustainable development strategy adopted by the French government in June 2003. The
government is committed to show the example with its own behaviour and asks the public
procurement managers to adopt an eco-responsible attitude aiming at the promotion of the sustainable
management of tropical forest and fighting against their destruction. 20 It is hence requested that theState, for its major construction projects, starting this year, uses wood with these guarantees and inparticular eco-certified woods. The public procurement code allows imposing specifications taking
into account environmental protection as long as they are connected to the object of the contract andare not discriminating against the potential candidates.
The decree acknowledges the difficulties with which the tropical producers are faced and recommend
a progressive application of the requirements in order to not create an effect contrary to the statedpurpose, namely to promote tropical wood in public procurement.
In Annex III A, Control of origin of the products, it is specified that the contractor, at any moment
during the proceeding of the works, can be requested to prove that the products being put in use fulfill
the requirements in terms of sustainable forest management. The decree defines the various documents
and certificates which can be accepted as proof.

Comments
Whilst the introduction of the decree refers to the concern about tropical forests, the text states inparagraph 4: “If the safeguard of the tropical forests constitutes the major preoccupation, the directive
contained in the annex, apply to all public procurement of all products made from wood, of all origins,in order to promote sustainable management and value-creation for all types of forests”. The decree
was well received by the trade association who is complementing it with its own environmental
charter (See next chapter). Several French environmentalist NGOs have declared that they see little orno progress in this decree. They are critical of the fact that the specification of the documents
requested to prove that the wood comes from sustainably managed forests, is not clear. They are
critical of there being no hierarchisation between the certificates and that statements without
credibility could possibly be accepted within the proposed scheme.

1920

http://www.legifrance.gouv.fr/WAspad/UnTexteDeJorf?numjo=PRMX0508285C
http://www.legifrance.gouv.fr/WAspad/UnTexteDeJorf?numjo=PRMX0508285C

-45-

Timber Trade Federation Environmental Chart
To answer the questions raised by several NGOs, the French Timber Trade Federation (Le Commerce
du Bois, LCB 21 ) has adopted an environmental charter regulating the wood products trade. The
members of LCB commit themselves to respect not only French legislation governing the timber trade,but also international legislation. Two key indicators were adopted to evaluate the progress of eachindividual LCB’s member in respecting the chart:
x the percentage of certified products in the total volume traded
x the percentage of products proposed by the member which identifies species and origin, (andstates whether certified or not)Certification schemes in France
Two main organizations are dominating the certification scene in France: PEFC and FSC. A French
certifying body, BVQI Veritas issues certificates guaranteeing the legal origin of the wood products(Eurocertifor OLB 22 )Table 1.15.
FranceCertification
PEFC 23 (June 2005)
FSC 24 (Oct. 2005)

Forest (ha)3 807 273
15 325Chain of Custody758
89

x PEFC = Programme for Endorsement of Forest Certification schemes. PEFC is working closelywith ATIBT, IFIA and the African Timber 0rganisations (ATO) to promote PAFC, the African
certification scheme. In 2005, PEFC started a revision of its standards. The revised standards
should be operational in 2006.
x FSC is the certification scheme promoted by the environmental groups such as WWF,Greenpeace, and Friends of the Earth.

Mutual recognition
Mutual recognition is unavoidably mentioned in each interview and trade meeting. The trading andindustrial actors are facing growing difficulties due to the competition of several certification systems.
The French government itself 25 declared (April 27 2005) that it intends to promote mutual recognitionof the systems in international spheres. Many industrials and distributors expressed concern that thedifferent labels confuse the consumer, and recommended that a global "certified" label be developed
for all wood products.
The authors of this report were asked by a number of interviewed trade and industry leaders toemphasize to ITTO the importance of Mutual Recognition, and to ask ITTO to employ all its influencein the international timber community to achieve this objective.

21

http://www.lecommercedubois.fr
OLB = Origine et Légalité des Bois23
http://www.pefc-france.org
24
http://www.fsc.org
25
http://www.premierministre.gouv.fr/acteurs/gouvernement/conseils_ministres_35/conseil_ministres_27_avril_473/politique_foret_52885.html
22

-46-

Availability of certified products
Since 2002, the statistical service of the Department of Agriculture, SCEES 26, surveys the Frenchharvest of certified wood and the volume of certified sawnwood products. The 2004 statistics showthat the volume of certified roundwood, 6.7 million m3, is now 20% of the total harvest, while
production of certified sawnwood, 840,000 m3, accounts for 9 % of the total production. From mid2004 to mid 2005, the number of PEFC Chain of Custody (CoC) certificates jumped from 550 to 750.
An often repeated perception by the industrials is that they feel "caught in the middle" between theinsistence by certain buyer groups that they want certified tropical products, and on the other hand alack of available certified raw material, be it sawnwood, dimension stock or other. Given this fact, anumber of industrials and traders are growing increasingly frustrated, considering that they are being
unfairly criticized from all sides. When they do manage to find a – usually small - parcel of tropicalcertified timber, bought at a substantial premium, they are unable to pass the cost increase on to theconsumer. In this situation, the perception of the industrial, the trader, and the distributor is thatcertification has the same effect for the individual as an increase in tax – all expense, no benefit. Mostof the interviews on this topic ended with: " It’s an absurd situation. We are caught in the middle,
forced to pay higher prices for the wood, unable to pass the cost increase on to our clients."
Provided there is sufficient availability of certified tropical timber and SPWP on offer to the Frenchmarket, it is the considered opinion of the authors of this report that tropical timber can maintain most
if not all of its existing market share. During interviews with leaders in the timber trade, the joinery,moulding, and parquet industries, all expressed their desire to continue to use tropical wood. The
reason why tropical wood is being used in France is that each specific product of imported wood, eachspecies, each specification satisfies a need in France better than any domestic timber can do. Many of
the timber traders and industrials we interviewed asked the authors to strongly emphasize in our reportto ITTO: "Please impress on ITTO how important it is that ITTO use all their influence and effort toensure that sufficient volumes of certified tropical timber, in current species, quality and specifications
become available. But hurry – please, we are in a race against time: will there be enough certified
tropical timber available by the time the use of certified timber becomes a must? "Market Acceptance of the Cost of Certification
When asked whether the wood industry would be able to pass on to their clients the increased cost ofjoinery, mouldings, parquet, etc. made from certified tropical timber, compared with the price today,
the answers varied greatly from " Not at all " – to " Once certified timber becomes the norm, and thereal cost of certification is incorporated in the cost of wood – a relatively modest amount compared to
all the other elements entering into the delivered cost – then the trade will adjust to this new fact, andthe client will, in the end, have to pay the price incorporating the certification cost. " The authors
consider this 2nd answer the most realistic prediction of what is going to happen. Traders andindustrials expressed concern about " the level playing field " as regards certified timber : " Provided
everybody plays by the same rules and the cost and availability of certified timber is the same foreverybody, then the client will accept the – modest – increase in cost to have certified timber
products. "The cost of certification is substantially higher for a tropical forest than for example a Nordic
softwood plantation or a French hardwood forest which has been nursed and well managed for morethan two centuries. However, the unique qualities of each of the imported species of tropical timber
are so important that the trade, the industry, and the consumer will, in practically every case ofutilization, accept the - modest - increase of cost which the certification will cause. The productreports highlight the specific quality requirements which are matched by the specific species inquestion.

26

http://www.agreste.agriculture.gouv.fr/default.asp?rub=agreste&hauteur=456-47-

FLEGT (Forest Law Enforcement, Governance, and Trade)
The EU FLEGT action plan 27 proposes measures to increase the capacity of emerging anddeveloping-market countries to control illegal logging, while reducing trade in illegal timber products
between these countries and the EU. The action plan sets out a range of measures that aim to combat
the problem of illegal logging. These include :x support for improved governance and capacity building in timber-producing countries ;x development of Voluntary Partnership Agreements with timber-producing countries to prevent

illegally produced timber from entering the EU market ;x efforts to reduce the EU's consumption of illegally harvested timber and discourage investments
by EU institutions that may encourage illegal logging.
France is fully supporting the FLEGT initiative. In its role as “Coordinator” for the Congo-basincountries in the “Partenariat pour les Forêts du Bassin du Congo” programme, France will promote
FLEGT actions in these countries.

27

21 May 2003 - communication from the Commission to the Council and the European Parliament

-48-

1.16

Factors
TimberaffectingCompetitivenessof

Tropical

Pre-conditions
The French timber market is an integrated part of the global timber market, both as a consumer and asa supplier. The French market is affected by the changes in the global timber market, for instance theemergence of China as a major supplier of board products and furniture – and as a major consumer ofindustrial roundwood.
In order for a tropical timber product – or a temperate or softwood timber product – to be considered
for import by a French merchant or industrial, certain pre-conditions have to be met:
The species, the product specification, and the quality must be well defined and agreed between buyer
and seller.
Regular supply in commercial volume must be assured over a number of years.
Transport must be available on a regular and competitive basis.
The supplier must be able to deliver the product at a competitive CIF price, relative to competingproducts.
Factors affecting competitiveness of tropical timber

Distance to Market
Tropical timber is produced and shipped a long way from the European market. This means high costof transport, and long delivery time.

Climatic conditions
The climatic conditions in the producing countries, including rainy seasons, often upset the regularityof supply.

Infrastructure problems
Infrastructure problems often prevent regularity of supply.

Public services
Public services are in some countries inadequate, upsetting the regularity of shipments.

Logistics problems
Logistics problems affect the product quality and condition negatively.

Ocean FreightOver the last 18 months, ocean freight rates have increased dramatically, and now further increases arebeing caused by high energy costs.
The ocean freights from Asian ports to France, for instance, have doubled over the last year, fromsome 60 Euro/m3 to 120 Euro/m3

Lack of Visibility and Lack of Investments
Lack of visibility and lack of Investments affect the competitivity negatively in some producing
countries.

-49-

Competition
At the same time as consumption of tropical timber has declined, the import into France of Nordic
softwood has continued to progress. In the following, the authors list some of the factors which have
had and will continue to have an influence on market shares.
An example of Competition: Nordic Softwood

Own Terminals in France
The major Nordic softwood producer/shippers now have their own terminals in France where they
carry substantial stocks of kiln-dried sawnwood, sheet materials, and SPWP, in a sufficiently complete
range of products to be able to satisfy most industrials and merchants.
These clients can operate on a Just-In-Time basis, without stocks. The clients know their suppliers candeliver the product, ready-to-use, within 48 hours, from stocks in France. If that specific product or
combination of products is not in stock in France, it can be delivered within 8 days by truck directfrom Scandinavia.
Raw material is abundantly available, the wood processing factories are functioning on a regular,
planned schedule of production. Infrastructures, logistics, and public services are reliable.

Necessary means to carry out long-term strategies.
The industry is dominated by producer / shippers who are big publicly-owned companies. These
companies have the necessary means to carry out long-term strategies.

The wood capital grows every year.
The incremental growth of the European softwood forest exceeds the harvest, i.e. European softwood
producer/exporters have to develop more and more export markets – Japan is an example – in order tobe able to dispose of an ever increasing raw material availability.

Investment in product development
The big softwood groups continue to invest in product development with a view to gaining increasing
market shares for their increasing volumes.
In the individual Product Reports, the authors are defining the specific market gains made by softwood
relative to tropical hardwoods.

Homogeneous raw material.
Nordic softwood producers enjoy the advantage of huge volumes of homogeneous raw material interms of species, quality, and dimensions. This allows for operating in the forest as well as in thefactories on a massive scale.

Advantage of scale
Operating on a huge, industrial scale gives the operator the advantage of lower unit cost.

Standardization of productsStandardization means that the clients are assured of a regularity of product quality, conditioning,
specification etc.

PricesIncreased competition between Finnish, Swedish, Russian, Baltic, Austrian, and other European
softwood producers puts the pressure on selling prices which are today lower than they were in 1993.

Volume of certified softwood
Regular, important volumes are now available from Nordic and other countries.

-50-

Cost of certification
Since these forests have been managed, re-planted and generally cared for during more than two
centuries, the cost of certification is very modest compared with the cost of certification in the tropicalforests.

Softwoods – summary of advantages
The competition from softwood is taken into consideration as one of the factors affecting
competitiveness of tropical timber, in each individual product report.
Softwood timber products enjoy advantages in terms of proximity to market, product development,
cost, volume of homogeneous product, certification and increasing future availability.

Temperate Hardwoods
Oak remains in the traditional market, the King of timber species, for style furniture, joinery, parquet,
kitchen furniture, etc.
Oak is available from France, from North America, and increasingly from Central and East European
countries. The supply from these “new” Europeans has brought about increased competition amongst
sellers. Consumers are benefiting from more competitive products.
Beech prices doubled during the late 90’ies when this species became very popular in China.
When Chinese demand faded, beech prices collapsed. Beech supply exceeds demand, prices are low.
Beech is a popular and technically very suitable species for a number of end-uses including staircases,
certain furniture products, veneer. Manufacturers are waiting for its come-back as a popular species.
Specialty hardwoods such as walnut, wild cherry (“merisier”), ash, chestnut, hornbeam, birch, acacia,
all have their niche markets.

Tropical Timber – Advantages
Tropical timber is competing, and will compete in the future in France, against alternative products, on
the strength of the inherent technical and aesthetic characteristics of each species.

Specific End-Uses.
The days are over when tropical timber was imported into France because it represented the cheapest
mass raw material available.
Today tropical timber is purchased by French Industrials and Distributors, on the merits of the inherent
characteristics of each species.
Each specific species, each specific product specification, each specific quality definition corresponds
exactly with a specific end-use application.

Tropical Timber - Superior Quality
The inherent, individual, characteristics are unique for each tropical timber species and productimported into France.
Equivalent material is inexistent.
The authors describe in the individual product reports the preferred species for each end-use.

-51-

1.17

Tropical Timber Import: 1973 – 2003

The volume of tropical wood imported into Europe has declined dramatically during one generation
1973 – 2003.
Year 1973
Table. 1.17.1 (Appendix IV) shows the import into 7 selected European countries in 1973 of Tropicalroundwood and tropical sawnwood. The latter is shown both in n3 sawnwood and in m3 roundwood
equivalent: m3 RWE.
This table also shows the total of the two products combined, expressed in m3 RWE.
The 7 European countries are shown as follows
x 4 North European countries:o UK
o Germanyo Netherlands
o Belgiumo Total of 4 North European countries
x
o
o
o
o

3 South European countries
Spain
FranceItaly
Total of 3 South European countries

Year 2003
Table 1.17.2 (Appendix IV) shows the same table as 1.12.1 for the year 2003.
Comparison 1973 : 2003
Table 1.17.3 (Appendix IV) compares the 1973 import with the 2003 imports.
Comparison of volume 1973 – 2003
As seen in table. 1.17.1 tropical roundwood + sawn timber import into these 7 European countries,
totaled 12.4 million m3 roundwood equivalent (R.E.) in 1973.

-52-

Figure 1.17.1
4 000
3 500
3 000
2 500
2 000

1000 m3

Tropical Wood Imports
Roundw. + Sawn RWE

ly
Ita

et
h

1973

N

G
er

m
an
er y
la
nd
s
U
B
ni
e
lg
te
iu
d
m
K
in
gd
om
Fr
an
ce
Sp
ai
n

1 500
1 000
500
0

2003

In 2003, the roundwood + sawnwood combined volume had fallen to 4.9 million m3 – 61% less.
Tropical roundwood imports have dropped from 8 million m3 to 1.1 million m3 – 86% less.
Sawnwood import has dropped from 2.4 million m3 (4.3 million m3 RWE) to 2.1 million m3 (3.8
million m3 RWE) – a reduction of 13%.
For comparison purposes, during the same period
Figure 1.17.2
6 000

France Industrial Roundwood
1000 m3

5 000
Exports

4 000
3 000
2 000
1 000

Imports
Source: FAO

01973 1978 1983 1988 1993 1998 2003

Industrial roundwood imports have declined, exports have increased.
Figure 1.17.3
1 2001000 m3

1 000

France: Sawnwood
Hardwood
Exports

800
600
400
Imports

200

19
73
19
77
19
81
19
85
19
89
19
93
19
97
20
01
20
05

0

Source: FAO

Hardwood sawnwood imports are relatively steady, exports have declined.

-53-

Figure 1.17.4
3 500
3 000
2 500
2 000
1 500
1 000
500
0

FranceConiferous
Sawnwood

1000 m3

Imports
Exports

19
73
19
77
19
81
19
85
19
89
19
93
19
97
20
01
20
05

Source: FAO

Softwood sawnwood exports have increased modestly, imports have increased substantially.

Figure 1.17.5
1000 m3

150
Imports

FranceVeneerSheets100
50

Exports
Source: FAO

19
73
19
77
19
81
19
85
19
89
19
93
19
97
20
01
20
05

0

Veneer exports are now back to the same level as in 1973, imports are increasing.

Figure 1.17.6
5001000 m3

400

FrancePlywood

Imports

300
200
Exports

100

Source: FAO

3

7

1

5

9

3

7

1

5

19
7

19
7

19
8

19
8

19
8

19
9

19
9

20
0

20
0

0

Plywood exports and imports are at about the same level as in 1973.

-54-

Northern versus Southern Europe
Country-by-country, there is an important difference between Northern and Southern Europe. The 4
North European countries Germany, UK, Holland, and Belgium, combined have reduced roundwood
import from 2.5 million m3 to 0.2 million m3 – a 92% reduction.
During the same period the 3 South European countries Italy, Spain and France have reduced
roundwood import from a combined total of 5.6 million m3 to 0.9 million m3 – a reduction of 84%.
Comparing tropical sawnwood imports in the same manner, the 4 North European countries have
reduced combined imports from 1.8 million m3 to 0.8 million m3 – 52% less.
The 3 South European countries increased imports of sawnwood from 0.6 million m3 to 1.3 million
m3 -–an increase of 95%.
In m3 R.E. the 4 North European countries reduced the import of logs + sawn timber from 5.7 million
m3 to 1.7 million m3 – a reduction of 70%. The 3 South European countries reduced log + sawn
timber imports from 6.7 million m3 RWE. to 3.2 million m3 R.E. – a reduction of 53%

North vs. South Europe – analysis of difference.
Amongst the primary reasons for the very notable difference between the North European countries
and the South European countries are:Veneer and Plywood
The North European countries have closed their tropical timber-using plywood factories and replaced
log import by plywood import from tropical countries. The most important suppliers are Indonesia,
Malaysia, Brazil, and now China.
France still has a sizeable plywood industry, using okoume logs for face and back combined withdomestic pine and poplar core veneers. Italy and Spain also maintain plywood industries using sometropical wood.

Imported SPWP
A substantial portion of the log + sawn timber import has been replaced by import of secondary
processed wood products (SPWP). The North European countries are importing relative more SPWP
than the Southern European countries, in respect of joinery, moulding and parquet.
At this time France’s import of SPWP from Tropical countries, notably Indonesia, Brazil, Malaysia,
and China, is growing rapidly.

Environmental Issue
Another important factor distinguishing Northern Europe from Southern Europe is the environmental
issue. Environmental awareness is higher in Northern Europe than in the Southern European countries.
The three NGO’s who are most actively engaged in creating public awareness of the diminishingtropical forests and associated environmental effects, Greenpeace, WWF, and Friends of the Earth,have been militant and developed grass root support in Northern Europe for decades.
There are a number of well-known examples of the effects of the environmental movement. In
Germany, several Länder and a substantial number of cities and towns do not authorize the use of any
timber which is not certified. This has, effectively, led to tropical timber being excluded, since up tonow, certified tropical timber has not been available in regular, commercial quantities. In the UK,large distribution chains have declared they will offer their clients certified timber only.

-55-

The Netherlands consume substantial quantities of tropical timber for hydraulic uses, to maintain theirimportant canal, locks, and entire sea defence system. Dutch authorities want this timber to becertified, and are likely to be some of the first clients to pay the premium needed to pay for the cost ofcertification.
Another example is Switzerland. Swiss Timber Merchants used to come to French, German, Dutch,
and Belgian ports to purchase their tropical timber needs. Today, Switzerland, a very environmentallyaware country, uses literally no tropical wood.
In Southern Europe, this militant movement has begun later, and was for a number of years met withless public interest than in Northern Europe. Today, however, the environment issue is becoming amarket driver in France, Italy, and Spain.
Where a majority of timber importers in France a few years ago, paid lip service only to theenvironment issue, they are today becoming C-O-C certified, convinced that if they want to stay in thetimber business, they will have to offer their clients certified timber.
A quick look at the above 1973 – 2003 statistics shows how Northern Europe has reduced the use oftropical timber, more than the South European countries.
The following table summarizes and compares the changes in imports of selected North European andSouth European countries,(North European countries: Belgium, Germany, Netherlands, UK, South
European countries: France Italy Spain)
The 2 countries who have reduced the import of tropical timber most, are the UK and Germany, twocountries where the environmental issue has the strongest influence.
These countries have replaced tropical timber with timber from temperate countries, both domestic
and imported, to a very large extent by plantation softwood from Nordic and other countries, most ofwhich is today certified.
Figure 1.17.7
8
7

million m3
1973

Tropical Wood Imports
Roundw. + Sawn RWE

2003

6
5
4

- 53%

3
2

- 70%

1
Source: Data UCBD / Desclos / Pedersen

0Northern Countries Southern Countries

The same environmental influence is now gaining strength also in Southern Europe.

-56-

1.18

French Guyana : France as a Tropical Producer

Guyane – a county inside France.
France is a tropical timber producer in Guyane, which is a French « Département ». Guyane is acounty within France, governed by the same rules, laws, labour regulations etc. as any county on the
French mainland.
The total terrirtory of Guyane is 84,000 km2, compared with the 550,000 km2 of the French mainland.
Guyane is the only overseas French tropical region with any forest area to speak of.
Figure 1.18.1

Guyane – The Tropical Forest
This tropical forest is the only tropical forest in the European Union. It covers 8.2 million hectares,
96% of the total land area of Guyane.This compares with 16 million ha forest on the French mainland,
27% of the total land area. 99% of the Guyanese forest belongs to the State.
The Guyanese forest belongs in the category of evergreen tropical rainforests.
Of the 8.2 million HA, 3 million HA are set aside for for natural forest reserve. 3 million HA are
reserved as an area « to be managed with a view to the general protection of the natural environment »10% is under productive forest management. These 850,000 HA of forest are managed in accordancewith a forest management plan based on a rotation of 60 – 70 years.
12,000 HA are exploited annually, yielding an annual roundwood harvest of 60 – 70,000 m3. This
compares with 50 million m3 roundwood harvested annually on the French mainland.
Guyane – Tropical timber species.
The Amazonian forest is characterized by its biodiversity. The number of tree species exceeds 1200,
compared with 80 in France.
This wealth of species is ecologically precious, but presents economic barriers to the cost-effective
management of commercial forest and timber industry activities.
Three species, angelique, grignon franc, and gonfolo, represent 70% of the harvested volume in
Guyane.

-57-

11 companies share the industrial timber activity in Guyane, which consists of roundwood harvestingand sawmilling.

Cost of operating in the timber industry in Guyane.
The cost of raw material from the managed forest is much higher than in the neighbouring countries ofBrazil and Surinam.
First and secondary transformation costs are also much higher than in neighbouring countries, due tomuch higher cost of labour and a number of other operating costs.

End-Use of the Guyanese Wood
The very high cost price of Guyanese timber and timber products, compared with the cost in Brazil
and Surinam, excludes the possibility of export on any commercial scale.
The 60 – 70,000 m3 roundwood are used for local construction, joinery, furniture, etc. in Guyane.
The Future of the Forest of Guyane
In view of the prohibitive production cost, compared with that of neighbouring countries, the forest of
Guyane is currently reserved essentially for its biodiversity, for recreational and tourist purposes, foruse by its indigeneous peoples, for research, and a range of other non-commercial purposes.
The 10% - 850,000 ha, which are being operated under a productive management plan produce
sufficient wood raw material to cover the needs of the 200,000 people living in Guyane.28

Figure 1.18.2

28« Orientations Regionales Forestieres – Guyane » Republique Francaise, Region Guyane 2002

-58-

PART II
2.1

Industrial Roundwood.

One of Europe’s major Industrial Roundwood Producers.
Profile of France – Industrial Roundwood - Overview
Table 2.1.1
France Industrial Roundwood

m3

France 2004
Production
TropicalTemperate Hardwoods
Coniferous

8,000,000
14,000,000*

Imports
483 134 ***1 243 000 ***1 172 000 **Exports
25 000**1 684 000**
2 017 000**

Consumption
458,000
7,500,000
17,200,000

3 726 000

25,200,000

Total Industrial
Roundwood
22,000,000
2 898 134*** Calculated from UNECE data*** Source: LCB** Source: UNECE 2000/2004 Prov / Desclos Pedersen* Source : French Customs
Date of data collection: July 2005
Table 2.1.2

France Tropical Roundwood 1000 m3
2000
2001
Production
Consumption
801
707
Imports
837
736
Exports
36
29
Imports ITTO Stats
Source : UNECE 2000/2004 Prov / Desclos Pedersen
Date of data collection: July 2005

2002

2003

2004

619
644
25

551
579
28
579

481
506
25

As seen in Chapter 1.8, the forests of France produce an annual increase of industrially usable timberof 89 million m3. Only 35 million m3 timber is felled annually for industrial use. Imports total 2.9
million m3, exports 3.7 million m3, for a net apparent consumption of 25.2 million m3.

Institutions

National
x
x
x
x
x
x

ONF – Office National des forêtsFNB Fédération nationale du bois
Direction de l’espace rural et de la forêt du ministère de l’Agriculture et de la forêt
Fédération nationale des syndicats de proprietaires forestiers et sylviculteurs
INRAD - Institut national de la recherche agronomique
Le Commerce du bois

European
-59-

x

UCBD

Terminology and Nomenclature
In Europe the term « Industrial Roundwood » is used for:« wood in the rough, whether or not stripped of bark or roughly squared ».
Nomenclature code: 44.03
Common commercial terminology is « logs »Tariffs
There is no import duty on industrial roundwood

Standards for Industrial Roundwood
Only Africa supplies logs to Europe in industrial quantities. South America ships no logs. From Asia
only Myanmar ships a few hundred m3 annually of teak logs for special utilization.
The grading and measuring standards for African industrial roundwood are those of ATIBT.
Teak Logs from Myanmar are measured and graded according to Myanmar’s Log Export Grading and
Measuring Rules.
Standards for Industrial Roundwood:

Marking
All logs are to carry the supplier’s number, producer’s identifying mark or logo, the « marteau »(lForest Licence No.), which at the same time identifies the country of origin, the exporter’s markor logo, optionally also the importer’s mark or logo.

Specifications
Must comply with the producing countries’ rules concerning timber harvesting and export.
In most African producer countries, only trees of 80cm dbh and up, can be felled.
There is no control by customs or any other authority in France to ensure that no undersize logs
are imported.

Speciesx Peeler species
Okoume for plywood production is the leading species in terms of volume of import into France.
In 2004, France imported 198,000 m3 Okoume logs, mainly from Gabon. Okoume is sought for
its high quality veneer/plywood characteristics, and is sought principally for manufacturing intohigh quality face and back.
Occasionally, modest quantities of other peeler species arrive in France, however, France
possesses an excess of very competitively priced domestic peeler species, pine, poplar and other.
The dramatic increase in freight cost from Africa, increased taxes in Africa, combined withincreased availability of domestic peeler species render the import of other peeler species than
okoume of little/no interest.
x Slicing species-60-

The species used for sliced veneer consist of Sapeli, Sipo, Iroko and Aniegré, as the main species,
with a host of other species being used according to the taste and demand at the moment.
The import of slicing logs is falling as France imports more and more sliced veneer from theproducing countries.
There are no statistics specifying the volume of slicing logs imported, we estimate the annual
volume to be less than 5,000 m3 logs of tropical origin.

Sawlogs
285,000 m3 import in 2004 are sawn into boules, dimension stock, hydraulic and special big
dimension timbers, for the latter the main species are Azobe and Iroko. The hydraulic = water works
timbers are used for harbours, ports, yacht clubs and other maritime environment needs. Most of thesetimbers are for public works. It is likely to be one of the product groups for which premium prices
will be obtainable for certified timber. Logs are imported and converted in France because the water
works specifications vary from project to project; required delivery dates are often too close to tenderdates to allow for import of the sawn specifications from overseas. This is likely to remain one of thevery few end-uses for timber in France that will continue to require the import of logs and conversion
in France.
There is a certain market for specific big-dimension timbers, often for outside use, where thecharacteristics of Iroko are most suitable.
There are no statistics available specifying the quantities of hydraulic timber produced or sold inFrance.

Joinery timber in fixed dimensions
The industrial joinery manufacturers of doors, windows and staircases, need their specifications ofthickness, width, and length to fit the specific end-uses. The supply from the African producing
countries, of fixed dimension sawn timber for specific joinery end-uses, is at this time insufficient tosatisfy the demand. A few sawmills in France have specialized in manufacturing dimension stock,often KD, some S4S, from logs, for the joinery industry.
The main species for this specific end-use are Moabi and Movingui.
There are no statistics for this specific group of production..

BoulesBoules = Plots = sandwich-cut logs, see photo « boules ». France is the only remaining country still
producing industrial quantities of boules.
What is the reason for this apparently archaic way of cutting up logs? There are several:
x

x
x
x

Boules give the client wide widths and long lengths, ideal raw material for the craftsman who
will produce a multitude of end products, an exterior door one day (requiring 2,10m length,
15cm wide jambs and stiles, a staircase another day, requiring 33cm wide threads and 4m longrisers, another day an outdoor table 4m long, etc.
For fine joinery work, the client is sure of having uniform grain, colour, density, working andfinishing characteristics, since one boule is made from one log.
Boules will contain both flat and edge cut lumber.
The sapwood is left on the boules that thus provide a natural protection for the hardwood,against the erosion of the elements.

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Figure 2.1.1: Boules

The volume of boules distributed in France, is diminishing regularly, as the small craftsmen tend to
buy the finished product factory-made, and only do the installation of the product, instead of making
the products.
This diminishing trend in boules consumption is seen in all species, both domestic soft- andhardwoods, and imported tropical timber.
The species that the artisans prefer is Niangon. During the latter part of the 1980’ies before the war,
Liberia exported 100,000 m3 annually of Niangon logs to France, literally all cut into boules for
distribution via the local merchants to artisans all over France.
The log export from Liberia is stopped, and there is very little Niangon available on the market, a few
thousand m3 annually from Ghana in the form of boules and sawn timber, and even less, in the formof sawn timber, from the Ivory Coast.
The main species for making boules are today: Sipo, sapeli, bosse, iroko, ayous, frake, moabi,
movingui, badi, lotofa, kewazingo, ogoué and framire.
In the region of the Alps, and beginning to spread to also other parts of France, one of the species
replacing Niangon for the artisan is Siberian Larch.
As industrial joinery manufacturers are not able to procure the quantities they need of species such as
movingui and moabi in the form of kiln-dried dimension stock, many still have to rely on a certain
supply of boules.
The authors asked importer and distributors who sell to the small artisans which volume of Niangon
logs and/or boules the market will be able to absorb once Liberia at some point in the future, will beauthorized to reopen production and export.
The answers consisted of the 3 following essential elements:
Liberian Niangon and other species have to be certified. There has been so much controversy about
Liberian timber, related to timber-for-arms deals, that the only way this suspicion will disappear fromthe mind of the public and the environmental groups, is by having all Liberian timber certified.
Niangon is the preferred species for exterior joinery. The artisan will continue to favour Niangon overother species, and will continue to pay a premium price, compared with most other tropical joinery
species.

-62-However, the volume of exterior joinery manufactured by the artisan, has dropped substantially over
the years. The artisan now prefers in many cases to buy the finished factory-made window, door,
staircase, and does the installation.
As such the market for a general joinery hardwood such as Niangon, has been dramatically reduced
from the 1980’ies when Liberia shipped 100,000 m3 Niangon logs annually to France.
The general consensus as to the total annual volume that the French market could absorb in Niangon
logs and/or boules would be around 25 – 30,000 m3.

Shipping and conditioning
Shipping of logs from West Africa to France has become more difficult to organize and far more
expensive as the freight market increased substantially during 2004. Add to this, the important
increase in cost of fuel, particularly in 2005.
China’s continued growing need for raw material of all kinds – including wood – has created upward
pressure in the freight market, not least for bulk cargo vessels.
“Logistics and ports in France” have been described in chapter 1.14.
Generally, the French Atlantic ports are maintaining their position as tropical timber receiving ports.
In the Mediterranean, however, there is only one timber port today, Sète. The port of Sète has been
particularly affected by the decreased availability of bulk cargo vessels, and now has no regular lines
calling with bulk cargo vessels neither from West Africa – nor from Asia – nor from South America.
The port and close vicinity of Sète, had 5 boules-cutting sawmills a few years ago. Today there are 2
working full time, one working less than half time. The cost of ocean freight has increased by morethan 30%. The port and its operators are facing important operational and financial difficulties. Timber
importers in Sète are grouping together to arrange joint freighting of logs and sawn timber from West
Africa to Sète, but arrangements between competitors are fraught with difficulties.
Asian sawn timber, which exceeded 100,000 m3 annual arrivals in the port of Sète in the 1980’ies,
now arrives in Antwerp, nothing in Sète; there are rare arrivals in Nantes, but most of the Asian
plywood and sawn timber arrives by bulk carriers in Antwerp for on-forwarding to France – a lack ofincome for the French ports and their operators, and in due course, increased unemployment. Tropicaltimber arrivals in Sète have fallen from 86,000 tons in 2003 to 66,000 tons in 2004. First quarter 2005
arrivals are the same as first quarter 2004 arrivals 13,000 tons.
The port of Bordeaux now has only 3 major timber importers. There are no regular lines calling, theimporters have to make their own freighting arrangements from West Africa to Bordeaux. There are 2
sawmills in Bordeaux cutting tropical logs. Bordeaux arrivals totaled 15,000 tons in 2003, 24,000 tonsof tropical timber in 2004.
La Pallice is a deep-water port, direct on the ocean, offering a competitive cost structure for its – few –clients. La Pallice is the receiving port for the bulk of the Okoumé log import; the majority of theplywood factories are all situated within a couple of hundred km distance of La Pallice. In La Pallice,
only one tropical log sawmill remains operating, with two in the hinterland. Arrivals in La Pallice
totalled 243,000 tons of tropical timber in 2003, 182,000 tons in 2004, mostly Okoumé logs. This
places La Pallice – La Rochelle in No. 1. position amongst French tropical timber receiving ports.
The majority of the timber trading community is domiciled in Nantes which receives the bulk of thetropical sawlog imports 51,000 tons in 2003, 65,000 tons in 2004. Nantes has recently taken oversome of the okoumé log trade from La Pallice. Sawn tropical timber imports in Nantes totaled 63,000
tons in 2003 – 69,000 tons in 2004. Total tropical timber arrivals in Nantes were thus 114,000 tons in2003 – 134,000 tons in 2004. Nantes has lost out over the last few years as regards the volume ofBrazilian sawn timber that is now being shipped in container from South Brazilian ports and from
Belem, only Santarem area origins are shipped in break bulk vessels. Only one sawmill cutting
tropical timber remains in operation in Nantes. There are two in the hinterland.

-63-

The ports which have taken over the import of Brazilian timber from Nantes, are Rouen-Honfleur,now France’s third-biggest tropical timber receiving port with 93,000 tons in 2003, and 115,000 tons
in 2004 – of which the majority is logs, both Okoumé and sawlogs. The big Honfleur sawmill has beenclosed, there are two operating in the near environment.
Caen is the 5th port for tropical timber, 40,000 tons of logs annually for the sawmill in that port, plus
31,000 tons of sawn timber 2003 – 35,000 tons in 2004, totally 71,000 tons in 2003, 74,000 tons in2004.
Dunkerque receives a mere 3000 tons of logs annually plus 20,000 tons of sawn timber – an important
portion of which is American hardwoods.
Bayonne received 8000 tons of logs in 2003, 7000 tons in 2004 – mostly Azobe for a specialty-cutting
sawmill.

Environment

Tropical Logs and Environmentalist Groups
Tropical logs are under close observation of the NGOs - environmental groups that are quite active inFrance, both Greenpeace, WWF, and Friends of the Earth.
Due to their size, and the fact that they are stocked on open quays (as distinct from kiln-dried
secondary processed wood products stored in closed warehouses), logs attract attention and are often
under scrutiny.
Furthermore, environmental groups also recommend that logs be converted in their country of origin,and should not be shipped out of their area of origin.

Certification
Logs are imported only from Africa (+ a few hundred m3 Teak logs from Myanmar).
Certification in West Africa is progressing.
One consultancy group report they are working on pre-certification procedures etc. for a total of 12
million ha of West African forest.
Major producers, managed by their European owners, are approaching final certification for forests
totalling over 2 million ha; it is expected that certified logs, sawn timber, veneer, and plywood will beon the market as from 2006, in industrial quantities.
The pre-certification, and certification cost is estimated by the consultancy group at 4 – 6
Euro/HA/year, based on a 30-year rotation, i.e. depreciation over 30 years of the initial cost.
To this should be added a once-a-year inspection fee of 10 – 15,000 Euro per concession. This is only
the cost of external services, to which should be added the company’s internal cost, essentially staff
cost.
However, the consultants consider that improved management and operational practices yielding
improved recovery and productivity over the long run should compensate the internal cost.

Roundwood Production

EuropeGraph EU15 roundwood production-64-Figure.2.1.2
350

million m3
EU25
Industrial Roundwood
Production

340
330
320
310
300
290

Source: UNECE / Desclos Petersen

280
2000

2001

2002

2003

2004

In all European countries that used to import sawlogs and plywood logs from tropical countries, theimport has been dramatically reduced over the last generation. Except for France, and a couple offactories in Spain and Italy, the plywood industry based on tropical logs has disappeared in Europe.
As to sawlogs, Italy, Spain and Portugal still import logs and convert to square-edged sawn timber andto dimension stock specifications. Germany converts tropical logs into square-edged sawn timber,special dimension stock sizes, and boules.
The European factories that were converting tropical logs into veneer, boules, and sawn timber, haveover the years been scrapped, some machines sold to tropical countries.
The remaining sawmills and plywood mills have all experienced very difficult times, with overcapacity, increasing costs, and lack of operating margin.
A number have gone bankrupt.

FranceThe only country in Europe producing industrial quantities of boules from tropical logs, is France –some 250,000 m3 annually, RWE. Sawmilling capacity exceeds the market’s needs; there have beenclosures of sawmills literally every year.
The plywood industry has generally been suffering under insufficient margins to satisfy shareholders,many family-owned units have been taken over by international groups whose results on the stock
exchange are inadequate to attract new capital for investment.

-65-

Roundwood Imports

EuropeFigure. 2.1.3
60

million m3

EuropeIndustrial Roundwood Imports

50
40
30
20
Source: UNECE / Desclos Petersen

10
0
2000

2001

2003

2004

2005

Europe Industrial Roundwood imports by importing countries
Table 2.1.3
Europe Roundwood Import 2004
x 1000 m3
Finland12,961
Sweden9,398
Austria
8,402
Italy
4,614
Spain
2,973
Norway2,866Belgium
2,755
France2,140Germany
1,916
Estonia
1,466

%
22.9
16.6
14.9
8.2
5.3
5.1
4.9
3.8
3.4
2.6

Others

12.5

7,088

Total
56,579100.0
Source: UNECE 2004 Prov / Desclos Pedersen-66-Breakdown coniferous / non-coniferous
Table 2.1.4
Europe Industrial Roundwood Import 2004
x 1000 m3%
Tropical *1 360 000
2.4
Temperate hardwoods ** 21 373 000
37.6
Coniferous ***33 846 000
59.8
Total ***
56 579 000
Sources:* UCBD** Calculated*** UNECE 2004 Prov / Desclos Pedersen

Europe Tropical Roundwood Imports
Figure 2.1.4
3.5
3.0

million
m3

2.5
2.0
1.5
1.0

EuropeImports of Tropical Roundwood

0.5

Source: UCBD / Desclos, Pedersen

0.0
1985

1988

1991

1994

1997

2000

2003

The leading exporters of industrial roundwood to Europe are the countries in the Congo basin:
Cameroon was the leading log exporter only a few years ago, now log export is declining reapidly, as
Cameroonese sawmills consume increasing quantities of roundwood, and as felling and export
restrictions limit roundwood availability.
Gabon is today the leading exporter of logs, firstly okoume logs for peeling, as well as increasing
quantities of sawlogs.
Congo Brazzaville is also shipping increasing quantities of roundwood, but industrialization of Congo
Brazzaville, as well as log export restrictions is reducing availability.
Congo Rep. Dem. (ex-Zaire) is increasing shipments in 2004 and 2005, after a period of very low
volume of export.
Equatorial Guinea is also still shipping logs to Spain, Portugal and Germany.

-67-

France Tropical Roundwood Imports
Figure 2.1.5
1,0001000 m3

900
800
700
600
500

FranceImports of Tropical Roundwood

400
Source: UCBD / Desclos, Pedersen

3001988 1991 1994 1997 2000 2003

France Tropical Roundwood Imports Breakdown by origin
Table 2.1.5
France Tropical Roundwood Import 2004
By originm3%
Belgium
Others Europe

2802
6753

0.6
1.4

Cameroon
Congo
Gabon
Liberia
Central Af. Rep.
Equat. Guinea
Others Africa

21089
100962312517

4.4
20.9
64.7

15985
19552
1918

3.3
4.0
0.4

Others Asia
Others

1349
207

0.3
0.0

Total
Source: LCB

483134-68-

France Tropical Roundwood Imports Breakdown by species
Table 2.1.6
France Imports 2004
Tropical Roundwood
M3
Okoumé
Sapeli, Iroko, Acajou Afrique
Sipo
Others197 554
67 85636359
181 365Total

483 134

Data source : LCB / Desclos Pedersen

France Tropical Roundwood Imports - non-tariff barriers
There are no non-tariff barriers.

France Tropical Roundwood Imports trends
As can be seen in table 1.17.1 “Factors affecting competitiveness of tropical timber – a comparison oftropical roundwood and sawnwood into 7 European countries 1973 – 2003”, the drop in volume overthis 30 year period, is dramatic.

France Tropical Roundwood Imports Perceptions and views
Every single importer, industrial manufacturer, and distributor interviewed expects import of tropicalindustrial roundwood to continue to drop, and within 5 – 10 years to be reduced to insignificant
quantities only.
Standard veneer and plywood will be produced in the countries of origin, only specialty products will
be manufactured in France, from tropical hardwoods.
As to tropical sawlogs, these will be replaced by the import of sawn timber, dimension stock, andSPWP.
A few specialty products, such as one-off, big hydraulic timbers and other very specific items forquick delivery, may still be cut in France, but everybody agrees that the number of sawmills cutting
tropical timber will be very few indeed within 5 – 10 years.
This view is based on the perception that the producing countries will ban the export of logs within thenext few years, and that there will simply be no high quality tropical logs suitable for joinery
manufacturing, available to buy anywhere in the world.
The majority of the persons interviewed are of the opinion that this trend is not only historicallyinevitable but also economically logical.
The loss of jobs in France is serious in a country that has more than 10% unemployment.
The existing factories are thus doing all they can to continue to secure the needed raw material andkeep surviving – and keeping their people employed.
An anecdote: Some French sawmillers, who traditionally convert oak and other hardwood logs, arelobbying the government to ban the export of French oak and other high quality logs.

-69-

Roundwood Exports

Europe: Industrial Roundwood Exports (All Species)
Figure 2.1.6
34

million m3

EuropeRoundwood Exports

32
30
28
Source: UNECE / Desclos Petersen

26
24
2000

2001

2002

2003

2004

Europe: Industrial Roundwood Exports by countries (All Species)
Table 2.1.7
Europe Industrial Roundwood Export 2004

Germany
LatviaFranceCzech Rep.
Estonia
Switzerland
Hungary
Lithuania
Slovakia
Belgium
Portugal
PolandSwedenAustria1000 m3
4,748
4,058
3,726
2,858
2,297
2,058
1,366
1,177
1,142
1,051
1,009
942
865
853

%
15.0
12.8
11.8
9.0
7.3
6.5
4.3
3.7
3.6
3.3
3.2
3.0
2.7
2.7

Others

3,501

11.1

Total
31,650Source: UNECE 2004 Prov / Desclos Pedersen-70-Europe: Tropical Industrial Roundwood Exports by countries
Table 2.1.8
EuropeTropical Roundwood Export 2004
m3
France24,810Germany
17,000Netherlands
16,400Belgium
11,000Italy
9,260
Denmark
6,160

%
22.0
15.1
14.5
9.7
8.2
5.5

Others25.1

28,290Total
112,920
100.0
Source: UNECE 2004 Prov / Desclos Pedersen

The inter-European Tropical Industrial Roundwood trade is very small, often tied to ocean shipping
opportunities to given ports which create export trade opportunities for traders in that port.

France: Tropical Industrial Roundwood Exports
Figure 2.1.7
40
35
30
25
20
15
10
5
0

FranceTropical Roundwood Export

1000 m3

Source: UNECE / Desclos Petersen

2000

2001

2002

2003

2004

The export of tropical roundwood is insignificant. There are the odd parcels of logs arriving in
Bordeaux and Sète for clients in Catalunya, and similar cross-border trading from North Atlantic
French ports to clients in Northern Europe, but no volume of any consequence.

-71-Roundwood Consumption

Europe: Industrial Roundwood Consumption (all species)
Figure 2.1.8
380

millionm3

EuropeRoundwood Consumption

360
340
320
300

Source: UNECE / Desclos Petersen

280
2000

2001

2002

2003

2004

Europe: Tropical Industrial Roundwood Consumption
Figure 2.1.9
3.5

million m3

3
2.5
2
1.5
1
0.5

EuropeImports of Tropical Roundwood
Source: UCBD / Desclos, Pedersen01985 1988 1991 1994 1997 2000 2003

France: Tropical Industrial Roundwood Consumption
The annual French consumption of tropical roundwood is estimated at 458,000 m3

France: Tropical Industrial Roundwood End-Uses
Tropical industrial roundwood is used for
x
x
x
x
x

Sliced veneer
Plywood
Boules for artisans making joinery, other SPWP, and all-purpose in- and outdoor construction,
furniture, and fittings.
Sawn timber in fixed dimensions for the joinery industry.
Specialty Big Timber/Hydraulic and other Project-work timbers.

-72-

France: Market Driversxx

Demand depends on the state of the economy in general, and on the level of activity in thebuilding sector, in particular.
Supply depends on the willingness of supplying countries to make logs available for export.

Competition
From Other Wood Products
x Veneer, plywood, other sheet materials, sawn timber, dimension stock, and SPWP of the same
species, bought from industries in the same countries which before supplied the industrial
roundwood.
x Veneer, plywood, and other sheet materials, wood furniture and other SPWP supplied fromlow-cost producers, such as China and Vietnam, Latin American and East European countries.
x Softwood Veneer, plywood, and other sheet materials, sawn timber, dimension stock, joinery,
wooden furniture, and other SPWP from Scandinavia, Eastern Europe, Russia, Brazil, Chile.
x The price of Scandinavian softwood, over the last 10 years, has dropped whilst over the same
period, the cost of tropical timber, has increased substantially.
x A limited volume of temperate hardwood sheet materials, sawn timber, and SPWP, European
and Russian, with very small imports from North America and other regions.
x « Technical Products » such as Laminated Beams for structural purposes, produced fromsoftwood to the end-user’s specifications – 13m long is a « standard » length – the maximum
length allowed on a normal truck trailor.
x Decking and exterior applications: Treated softwood.
From Other Materials:
x For structural purposes: metal and cement.
x For flooring and decking ceramic tiles.
x For joinery, windows, doors, shutters PVC and aluminium.
x For interior doors: postformed sheets made from wood and synthetic fibre.
x For furniture : metal , plastic, glass,x For mouldings and other SPWP: PVC, and veneer and paper-wrapped MDF/other support,
metal, plastic composites, glass, ceramic tiles.

-73-

2.2.

Sawnwood

France: The most species-flexible importer of tropical sawnwood
Profile of France
Table 2.2.1
France Sawnwood m3
2004
Production
Tropical
160 000 **Temperate
2 000 000 ****

Imports
419 664 ***136 460 ***Exports
20 835 MT*
434 737 MT*

Coniferous

3 282 522 ***628 000 ***7 700 000 **Total
9 860 000 **3 838 646 ***1 367 000 ****** Calculated from UNECE data*** Source/ LCB** Source: UNECE 2000/2004 Prov / Desclos Pedersen* Source : French Customs
Date of data collection: July 2005

Consumption
544 000 **1 707 000 ****
10 022 000**
12 273 000**

Table 2.2.2
France Tropical Sawnwood 1000 m3
2000
2001
2002
Production
234
219
212
Consumption
586
575
517
Imports386
396
331
Exports
33
40
26
ITTO Stats
Source : UNECE 2000/2004 Prov / Desclos Pedersen
Date of data collection: July 2005

2003
156
517
386
25
386

2004
160
544
412
28

Table 2.2.3
FranceTropical Sawnwood Data Comparison 2004
SourceProduction
Imports
Exports
Consumption
UNECE m3
160 000
412 000
28 000544 000
French Customs 6/2005
n.a.
303.430
MT
20.174
n.a.
COMTRADE MT*n.a.
n.a.**n.a.
n.a.
LCB m3n.a.
419 664n.a.
n.a.
UCBD m3
n.a.
502 000n.a.
n.a.
Date of data collection: July 2005** 440724-25-26-29 data available and similar to French Customs, 440799 data notapplicable (tropical mixed with other species)-74-Sawnwood- Overview
Tropical sawnwood represents 4% of France’s total consumption of sawnwood, 24% of total
hardwoods.
France imports wood from other countries when such wood represents a better solution than domestic
timber.
The authors analyse the imports of tropical sawnwood from different origins, and identify the end-uses
for this sawnwood, as well as the characteristics of these species which make them attractive to the
French market.
It is interesting to note, particularly for the tropical timber producing countries, that France is the most
species-flexible customer of all the tropical timber importing countries.
Within one generation, joinery factories in France have changed tropical timber species 6 times, in thefollowing chronological order:
x
x
x
x
x
x

Sipo from Ivory Coast and other West African countries
Lauan from the Philippines
Dark Red Meranti from Malaysia and Indonesia
White Seraya from Malaysia
Curupixa from Brazil
Tauari from Brazil.

The French Industrial, distributor and consumer is the most species-flexible of any major market in theworld.
Provided a “new” species offers advantages, be it price, technical characteristics, aesthetics,
specification, there is an openness in France to try something new which is rarely found in othertropical timber importing countries.
The timber trade tends to be very traditional around the world, particularly the hardwood trade.

Institutions
Europeanx OES
x CEI Bois
French
x
x
x
x

FNB
ONF
ATIBT
LCB

Terminology and Nomenclature
Chapter 4407 describes "Wood sawn or chipped lengthwise, sliced or peeled, whether or not planed,sanded or finger-jointed, of a thickness exceeding 6mm".
Common commercial terminology is "sawn timber".

-75-

Tariffs
The tariffs applied in France are the EU tariffs as specified by TARIC (Integrated Tariff of theEuropean Communities 1)
Table 2.2.4
EU Customs Tariff for Imported Sawnwood
Code = 4407 …..
%
2430, 2530, 2630, 2930, 2983,
22415,
2510,2550,2610,2650,2905,
2.5
2950, 2985, 9950

Standards for Industrial sawnwood
x
x
x
x
x

African sawn timber is graded and measured according to ATIBT sawn timber grading rules.
Malaysian and Indonesian sawn timber is graded and measured according to MGR = Malaysian
Grading Rules.
Myanmar teak is graded and measured according to Myanmar Export grading rules.
Sawn timber from Brazil is graded and measured in accordance with American Hardwood
grading Rules, NHLA.
Since sawn timber is an intermediary product that is transformed into a final product in France,
there is no requirement for CE Marking.

Specifications
Thicknesses
Sawnwood is shipped from Asia and Brazil, practically exclusively in the traditional inch-equivalentdimensions, 25, 38, 50, 63, and 75mm thicknesses – with over-measure to allow for drying.
African sawmillers ship these same thicknesses, but also other thicknesses as agreed between buyer
and seller, for specific industrial end-uses in France.
Width-and-length
Specifications are, either:x "Standard" = Random widths and random lengths, which are "PTWL" = "packed-to-width andlength" in standard widths 100, 125, 150, 175, 200, 225, 250 275, and 300mm.
This product allows on one hand the tropical sawmilling producer to obtain maximum yield fromthe log, by being able to ship all the widths and all the lengths that the log can yield.
On the other hand, since the importer obtains one width and one length in each bundle, he candirect each bundle to the specific client – workstation in the case of an industrial – where thatspecific product is needed.
x Fixed width and/or fixed length. African suppliers are accepting more fixed specifications thantheir counterparts in Asia and Brazil.
This is part of the explanation why sawmill recovery in Africa is often inferior to recovery
particularly in Asia – in spite of the African raw material, in the Congo basin at least, generally
being of better quality and bigger size than the Asian log.

1

TARIC: http://europa.eu.int/comm/taxation_customs/dds/en/home.htm-76-Packing and conditioning
The sawnwood is shipped in bundles, flush sides and ends, securely steel-strapped. The ends of thetimber are waxed or tarred to protect it from end-splitting. Air-dry timber shipped in break-bulk has aprotecting layer of thin wood protecting the top of the bundle, so that the upper layer of planks does
not split nor check.
"Shipping-dry” sawnwood is shipped on stickers so that the timber does not suffer deterioration duringtransit. More and more producers are now kiln-drying the timber. This ensures a better condition, lessdrying defects during transit, the timber needs no stickers, thus occupies less space in the vessel,
weighs less, and can thus be transported at a lower real cost than the equivalent « shipping-dry »timber. This lowering of real cost does not always benefit the timber shipper nor the receiver.
Marking
All bundles carry the supplier’s name, mark or logo, a bundle number, weight, and destination,
optionally the receiver’s name and /or logo.
Quality
Tropical sawnwood represents 4% of France’s total sawnwood consumption. Tropical sawnwood isimported to satisfy specific end-uses, the vast majority joinery. Quality, both technical and aesthetic, istogether with species and specification the primary concern. France buys the highest quality – and themost expensive – in these timbers, FAS from Africa and Brazil, Select & Better from Asia.
SpeciesSpecies bought are described in section 3. Imports, supply country by supply country.

Shipping
Ocean Transport
The traditional method of shipping has been in break bulk. More and more sawn timber is now being
shipped in containers direct from the tropical producer to the importer / distributor or to the importer /Industrial.

Sawnwood production
Europe: Sawnwood Production (General)
Figure 2.2.1
105

million m3
EU25
Sawnwood Production

100

95

90

85
Source: UNECE / Desclos Petersen

80
2000

2001

2002

2003

2004

Total European sawnwood production, temperate hardwoods and softwood, and tropical hardwoods.
Europe: Total European Tropical sawnwood Production.

-77-

Figure 2.2.2
1000 m3

600

EU25
Tropical Sawnwood Production
Source: UNECE / Desclos Petersen

500
400
300
200
100
0
2000

2001

2002

2003

2004

Tropical sawnwood sawn in Europe accounts for 0.4% of total European sawnwood production.

France: Sawnwood Production (General)
Figure 2.2.3
11.0 million m3

FranceSawnwood Production
Source: UNECE / Desclos Petersen

10.5
10.0
9.5
9.0
8.5
8.0
2000

2001

2002

2003

2004

Tropical Sawnwood Production
The import of tropical sawlogs in 2004 totalled 286,000 m3, the vast majority sawn into boules at an
average recovery of 80%
Azobe, Badi, some Iroko and other heavy, durable hardwoods are sawn into special big dimension
timbers for hydraulic and special construction at some 50% recovery.
Some Movingui, Moabi, and other joinery timber species are sawn into fixed dimensions for door andwindow manufacturers, at a recovery of 40 – 50%.
The ECE 2004 statistics show 160,000 m3 sawnwood produced from 286,000 m3 sawlogs, i.e. 56%
recovery – which is a realistic average rate of recovery of sawnwood from tropical export quality
sawlogs.

-78-

Figure 2.2.4
FranceTropical Sawnwood Production

1000 m3

250
200
150
100
50

Source: UNECE / Desclos Petersen

0
2000

2001

2002

2003

2004

Tropical Sawmilling Production Capacity
The sawmills cutting tropical logs are located in the ports where the logs arrive, a few in theclose/relatively close hinterland.
Location and number of tropical log-cutting sawmills in France:xx

Bordeaux : 2
Bayonne : 1xx

La Pallice 1
Hinterland 2xx

Nantes 1
Hinterland 2xx

Caen 1
Hinterland 2

x

Sète : 3

Totally 15, all set up to saw big tropical logs into boules. The mill in Bayonne is a specialty-cutting
mill, concentrating on hydraulic timbers and the like.
Comparing the current level of import of tropical sawlogs - some 300,000 m3 annually - with the 1973
total import of 2.5 million m3, of which at least half were sawlogs, it is understandable that only 1 outof 4 tropical log-sawmills in France are still in existence today.
Tropical sawnwood production trends
The capacity of the remaining 15 sawmills exceeds the 300,000 m3 annual log intake.

France: Tropical sawnwood production
As tables 1.2. and 3 show, the production in France of tropical sawlogs into sawnwood has fallen
steadily over the years, to now represent only 300,000 m3 annually. All the sawlogs arrive from West
Africa, essentially representing species that are available in insufficient quantities of sawn timber or
SPWP to satisfy the demand.
The trend is obvious: The import of sawlogs will be reduced at the same pace as availability ofsawnwood and SPWP from the supply countries increases.
All importers, custom-sawmillers, industrials, distributors, port operators, shipping agents andforwarders, agree that the import of sawlogs will continue to decline, at a pace which is decided in the-79-African producing countries. The perception of the pace varied from those considering that tropicallogs would disappear entirely as a commercial product within 5 years to those considering it will be amore gradual reduction lasting 10 – 15 years. An average estimate of the time it will take theremaining African countries who are still shipping logs, to be able to supply sufficient quantities ofsawnwood and SPWP, would be around 10 years, i.e. disappearance of the last sawlog exports toFrance by 2015.

Sawnwood Imports

Europe: Sawnwood Imports (All species)
Figure 2.2.5
46

million m3
EU25
Sawnwood Imports

44

42

Source: UNECE / Desclos Petersen

40
2000

2001

2002

2003

2004

Europe: Sawnwood Imports by Importing Countries (All species)
Table 2.2.5
EU25
Sawnwood Import 2004
1000 m3
UK
8,647
Italy
7,661
Germany
4,652
France
3,780
Spain
3,326
Netherlands
3,163
Denmark
2,251
Belgium
2,048
Austria
1,485
Hungary
1,121
Greece
1,000

%
9.6
7.4
0.6
.6
.6
.2
.1
.6
.4
.5
.3

Others4,910

1.1

Total EU 25

44,04400.0

Source: UNECE 2000/2004 Prov / Desclos Pedersen-80-Europe: Sawnwood Imports (All species)
Breakdown by coniferous, temperate hardwood, and tropicalTropical:Softwoods
Temperate

1 493 000 m3
36 472 000 m3
6 080 000 m3

Total
Source: UNECE

44 045 000 m3

Europe: Tropical Sawnwood Imports

Figure 2.2.6
million m3

2.8

EU25
Tropical Sawnwood
Imports

2.6

2.4

2.2
Source: UNECE / Desclos Petersen

2.0
2000

2001

2002

2003

2004

France: Tropical Sawnwood Imports
Figure 2.2.7
5001000 m 3

400
300
200
100

FranceImports of Tropical Sawnwood
Including South American Softw ood
Source: UCBD / Desclos, Pedersen

0
1988

1991

1994

-81-

1997

2000

2003

Figure 2.2.8
5001000 m3

400
300
200

FranceTropical Sawnwood Imports

100
Source: UNECE / Desclos Petersen

0
2000

2001

2002

2003

2004

Tropical Sawnwood Imports by Countries of Origin
Table 2.2.6
FranceTropical Sawnwood Import 2004
1000 cum
Cameroun
Congo Braz
Cote d’Ivoire
Madagascar
Gabon
Ghana
OthersAfricaMyanmarIndonesia
Malaysia
OthersAsia
BrazilOthersAmerica

57.6
13.9
51.6
1.4
23.4
24.2
2.2
174.3
5.0
10.9
19.2
2.3
37.4
165.3
2.2
167.5

Others*
Total

40.4
419.7

%

Source LCB/Customs – Desclos/Pedersen.
* Others = transhipments via other European ports, mainly from Asia.

-82-

13.7
3.3
12.3
5.6
5.8
0.5
41.5
1.2
2.6
4.6
0.5
8.9
39.4
0.5
39.9
9.6

Tropical Sawnwood Imports by Species
Table 2.2.7
FranceTropical Sawnwood Import 2004
cum
Virola, Balsa, Mahogany
1 656
Dark Red Meranti, Light Red
2 409
White Lauan
Meranti Seraya
4 505
Others323 000
Total sawnwood
388 602
Railway sleepers
31 062
Total
419 664
Source : LCB

This table illustrates the lack of information contained in available statistics: 98% of species aredefined as “others”.
France: Tropical Sawnwood Imports import trend
Over the 30-year period studied, French consumption of tropical sawnwood has declined from
1.1 million m3 1973 (0.4 million m3 imported sawnwood + 0.7 million M3 sawn in France fromimported tropical roundwood) to now 0.5 million m3 (0.4 miilion m3 imported sawnwood + 0.1
million m3 sawn in France from imported tropical roundwood) i.e. a reduction of 60%.
At the same time, the import of tropical SPWP, secondary processed wood products, has increased
from practically zero in 1973 to 250 million USD worth today, in wooden furniture, Builder’swoodwork, and mouldings. (Source ITTO 2004 Review).
However, in certain applications, tropical sawnwood has lost market share:
x
x
x
x

x

x
x

About 65% of the window frames are now made from PVC, 17% from wood, and some 17%
from Aluminium. 30 years ago, more than 80% of all window frames were made from wood.
Front doors, 30 years ago were practically all made from tropical wood, are now also made fromother timbers, and other materials (PVC and metal).
Interior doors, 30 years ago, were mainly made in solid wood, from tropical timber, today only aminority are solid, and more temperate soft- and hardwoods are being used.
Mouldings were mainly made from Ramin, wawa/ayous, and some redwoods such as Meranti,
Sipo. Today softwood mouldings dominate the building trade, and veneer-wrapped MDF hastaken over part of the tropical moulding market.
The shutter market was shared between softwood and tropical hardwoods. Today softwood
dominates entirely, with very little hardwood being used. PVC shutters have taken over a largepart of the market – PVC shutters installed together with the PVC windows.
At the same time as there is a general trend towards a more competitive environment, there isalso less waste today.
In 1973, the artisan produced a substantially higher proportion of all joinery products, fromboules, relative to the factory-produced joinery. Today the artisan’s role as a manufacturer isvery small.

-83-

Sawnwood production
Europe: Sawnwood Exports (All species)
Figure 2.2.9
50

million m3

40
30
20

EU25
Sawnwood Exports

10
Source: UNECE / Desclos Petersen

0
2000

2001

2002

2003

2004

Europe: Sawnwood Exports by countries of origin/production
Table 2.2.8
EU25 Sawnwood Export 2004
1000 cum
Sweden11,259Finland8,226
Austria
7,457
Germany
5,598
Latvia2,921
Czech Republic
1,616
France1,367
Belgium
1,103
Estonia
1,030
Others4,831
Total
Total EU 25

45,407

%
24.8
18.1
16.4
12.3
6.4
3.6
3.0
2.4
2.3
10.6
100.0

Source: UNECE 2000/2004 Prov / Desclos Pedersen

Europe: Sawnwood Exports by types
Tropical:Softwoods
Temperate

347 000 m3
41 686 000 m3
3 374 000 m3

Total
Source: UNECE

45 407 000 m3-84-

Europe: Tropical Sawnwood Exports
Figure 2.2.10
1000 m3

500
400
300
200

EU25
Tropical Sawnwood Imports

100
Source: UNECE / Desclos Petersen

0
2000

2001

2002

2003

2004

France: Tropical Sawnwood Exports
Figure 2.2.11
1000 m3
40

30

20FranceTropical Sawnwood Exports

10

Source: UNECE / Desclos Petersen

0
2000

2001

2002

2003

2004

France: Tropical sawnwood export trends.
The export from France of tropical sawnwood is of marginal significance, representing essentially
specialties that France is traditionally buying and receiving direct from the supply countries, andwhich other countries do not usually buy or receive direct.
There is a small but regular export from Southern France into Spain and Italy, mostly of suchspecialties. This export is very much based on logistics, particularly related to ocean shipping
opportunities into French ports, combined with competitive road transport to final destination.
There is also a modest export to North Africa.
The timber traders in France expect this modest export trade to continue at its current level.

-85-

Sawnwood consumption

Europe: Sawnwood Consumption (All types)
Figure 2.2.12
100

million m3
EU25
Sawnwood Consumption

98
96
94
92

Source: UNECE / Desclos Petersen

90
2000

2001

2002

2003

2004

Europe: Tropical sawnwood consumption
Figure 2.2.13
3.0

million m3

2.5
2.0
1.5

EU25
Tropical Sawnwood
Consumtion

1.0
0.5

Source: UNECE / Desclos Petersen

0.0
2000

2001

2002

2003

2004

France: Tropical sawnwood consumption
Figure 2.2.14
6001000 m3
FranceTropical Sawnwood
Consumption

550

500

450
Source: UNECE / Desclos Petersen

400
2000

2001

-86-

2002

2003

2004

End Uses
Estimated Shares of the end-user market:
x 80% joinery including Decking and Garden /Outdoor up-market wood-work (example fencing
around swimming pools)x 3 - 5% hydraulic timbers
x 2 - 3% moulding
x 1% truck decking
x 1 - 2% Parquet
x 9 – 13% otherMarket Drivers
x The most significant market driver is the activity in the home construction sector of thebuilding industry and the renovation of homes. In 2004 new private home construction
reached a 20-year high of 340,000 units of housing. This favourable trend is continuing in
2005, new construction permits reached 440,000 units. The level of activity is reported good
both by industrials, importers, and distributors of timber and other building products. The
factors influencing this favourable level of home construction are the low level of interest rates
for long-term building loans, strong increases in the price of homes in literally all areas ofFrance, i.e. investing in one’s home is the best money placement possible. An important
negative market driver is the high level of unemployment that prevents many potential
homebuyers, not least young people, from buying their first home.
x France is one of the few « old » West European countries, which still enjoys a positive
demographic development. This is based on immigration, which is likely to continue. The
increasing population needs more homes.
x A strong demographic movement from North to South is increasingly evident. LanguedocRoussillon (« La Septimanie ») is the region of France enjoying the strongest population
growth – 1 000 persons per month are moving into the Département of l’Hérault (34), thecapital of which is Montpellier, one of the fastest growing cities in France. These newcomers
to the region all need housing. They consist of people retiring in the sun – not only from
Northern France, but from all of Northern Europe. Young people from all over Europe are alsoarriving in this region to enjoy climatic and other advantages. This demographic mobility issimilar to that taking place in North America.
Competition
From Other wood:
x Coniferous sawnwood and SPWP. Examples of products where coniferous sawnwood and

SPWP have taken market share from tropical sawnwood- joinery – interior doors.
- windows and doors in the region of the Alps,- laminated /finger-jointed softwood scantlings for window frame manufacturing.
- shutters,- certain moulding products- wooden furniture, shop-fitting, and other SPWPx Temperate Hardwoods- Furniture including Kitchen furniture is dominated by light-colour temperate hardwoods –and some softwood in the modern young style. There is literally no tropical sawnwood usedin the French furniture industry today compared with quite important quantities in the past of
Ramin, Agathis, Limba, and some redwoods.

-87-- Shop-fitting is likewise dominated by light-coloured temperate hardwoods, birch is a favoredspecies today – literally no tropical sawnwood is used any more.
- Truck Decking: now employs laminated temperate hardwoods (mainly chestnut), replacingin part the traditional Kapur from Malaysia and Indonesia.
x Sheet materials
Have taken over the market from solid timber, including tropical sawnwood, in many
applications including furniture, shop-fitting, caravan construction, to name but a few.
From veneer-or -paper-wrapped MDF and other low-cost wood-based profiles
They are increasingly used in a wide range of applications, furniture, shopfitting, certain
mouldings, parquet, interior doors.
From reconstituted Wood – produced from 80% sawdust, 20% resin – this new product is being
marketed for applications such as exterior cladding, and Decking. Product development is
improving the technical characteristics. In the second generation of reconstituted wood
products now on the market, a number of the initial problems have been solved. This is aninteresting new product the raw material of which was previously waste, or at best used for
fuel.
From Other Materials:
In this group, « Other Materials », the single most important competitor to tropical sawnwood
over the last 20 years, has been
- PVC used for window and doorframes, for shutters, garage doors, garden gates, etc.
- Metal: aluminium and steel – have taken over markets from tropical sawnwood in the joineryindustry, notably in front doors. The consumer who is concerned about fire risk andburglary, can now buy front doors with guaranteed security norms, both as regards fire
resistance and resistance to break-in attempts.

France: Tropical Sawnwood Imports non-tariff barriers
There are not any non-tariff barriers. The CITES convention limits/excludes the trade in protected
species. This is not perceived as a non-tariff barrier, and is of no practical commercial consequence.
The species now protected under CITES, which were previously imported into France - such as Ramin-have been replaced by other species and products.
The French building code which specifies that all building materials must carry a 10-year guarantee,
favours the use of a range of tropical timbers over temperate timbers which are generally less durable
and have lower strength ratios. The technical characteristics of a substantial number of tropical species
are superior to those of competing temperate soft- and hardwoods.

Tropical sawnwood consumption: trends, perceptions and views

TrendsRefer table 3: The total imported volume of tropical sawnwood in 2003 is almost unchanged since1973. The level is stable around 350 – 400,000 m3 yearly. The species and supply countries havechanged over the years, Malaysia, Indonesia, and the Philippines dominated in the 70’ies and 80’ies.
During the 90’ies, Brazil took over as the dominant supplier of joinery woods for the Frenchindustries; Curupixa and Tauari from Brazil replaced the Meranti and Lauan (shorea spp) from Asia.
The change in species and source of supply - from Asia to Brazil - has been driven by a combination
of

-88-

- availability of suitable supply in sufficient – or insufficient - volume- price- change of taste/colour.
The supply of Meranti from Indonesia became insufficient when Indonesia stopped the export of sawn
timber. This ban on export of rough sawnwood took place before supplies and clients had adjusted toreplace the sawn timber by dimension stock or other SPWP from Indonesia, in corresponding
quantities.
Supply of lauan from the Philippines was stopped due to insufficient availability of raw material.
When demand for Curupixa from Brazil exceeded supply possibilities, Tauari became the dominant
species – also helped by its white colour in a market where the fashion turned to light coloured finish.
African supply of sawnwood doubled between 1973 and 2003, as sawlog shipments were replaced bysawnwood.

Perceptions and views
The perceptions and views of importers, industrials, and distributors are unanimous:- sawnwood will replace the import of sawlogs from Africa, i.e. more sawnwood- SPWP will replace sawnwood imports from Asia and Brazil, i.e. less sawnwood
Over all, it is the perception that the supply from Asia will be vacuumed by wood-hungry big Asianmarkets, leaving reduced availability for Europe.
Brazil’s leading market is the U.S.A. that is enjoying very strong demand from an ebullient homebuilding sector. The competition in years to come amongst clients, firstly the domestic Brazilian
clients, other South, Central, and North American customers, European clients, and Asian buyers to
obtain popular high-quality tropical sawnwood and SPWP, from Brazil, will become fierce.
French and some other European industrials and importers are solidly installed in Brazil, to ensure
their future raw material supply. However, the perception is that the long-term supply trend for Europe
may soon reach its peak, followed by a decline. The perception is that Africa will continue to be theleading supplier to France of tropical timber, yesterday logs, today sawnwood and veneer, tomorrow
sheet materials and SPWP.

-89-

2.3

PLYWOODFrance: consumer, importer, producer, and exporter
As a consumer, importer, producer and exporter, France has a unique profile in the trade of tropicalplywood. French companies have a long experience of tropical plywood manufacturing in France, but
this sector is now in a serious crisis. Several French producers are facing severe difficulties.
The French forest industry is strongly present and well established in Africa, in many sectors.
The evolution of Gabon’s policy linking forestry and industry brought some obligation of local
primary processing. To comply with the new rules the French producers are progressively developing
their veneer manufacturing capacity in Gabon and consequently reducing this sector of their activity inFrance. Some went further and built plywood manufacturing plants. Peeling plants are still operatingin France to supply special sizes and the faces of French made combi and twin panels. In 2004, 2/3 ofthe French plywood production was tropical. This percentage may decrease in the coming years,
depending on three factors:xxx

The level of confidence in Gabon’s politico-economic background
The availability of local qualified manpower in Gabon
The evolution of shipping costs

The perceived uncertainty relates more to the timing than on the nature of this evolution.
Table 2.3.1
France Plywood m3
2004
TropicalTemperate Hardwoods
Coniferous
OthersTotal Plywood

Production
269 485
17 285
123 854

Imports
96 929136 195
137 179
41 476411 779410 624

Exports
123 360
3 665
86.0966 414
219 535

Consumption
240 254
148 615174 937
35 062598 868

Source: UFC

Table 2.3.2
FranceTropical Plywood Data Comparison 2004
Source
Unit
Production
Imports
Exports
Consumption
m3
UFC
269 485
96 929123 360
240 254m3
FEIC
269 500
m3
EUROSTAT
100 466
125 399
m3
LCB
97 663m3
UNECE
268 000
92 800106 700
254 100
MT
French Customs
90 06470 100MT
COMTRADE
68 082
m3
UCBD
189 000 *m3
ITTO 2003
96 000108 000* Including coniferous plywood from Brazil and transhipments from Belgium ports
Date of data collection: July 2005

-90-

Institutions related to plywood in Europe
x FEIC = European Federation of Plywood Industry

FEIC represents 21 member countries and 75 member companies with a total production
capacity of more than 4 million m³ of plywood and blockboard.
FEIC Members: Belgium, Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany,
Greece, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Portugal, Russia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden,
Switzerland, Ukraine, Morocco (Associated Member).
Austria, Denmark, Ireland, Netherlands, and UK (n°1 European consumer) are not members of
FEIC
FEIC works in close co-operation with the European Panel Federation (EPF)
x EPF (European Panel Federation)
The European Panel Federation2, represents the European manufacturers of particleboard, MDF
and OSB, with a total production in 2003 of 36,1 million m2 of particleboard, 11,2 million m2
of MDF and 2,4 million m2 of OSB. EPF thus took over the tasks of FESYP, the European
federation of associations of the particleboard manufacturers (founded in 1958) and Euro MDF
Board, the European federation of MDF manufacturers (founded in 1986).
x UCIP (Union pour le Commerce des Panneaux en Bois = European Wood Based Panels Trade
Federation)
UCIP is a sister organisation of UCBD.
x UCBD (Union pour le Commerce de Bois Durs dans l’U.E.= European Hardwood Trade
Federation)
UCBD is an alliance of the national federations of tropical and temperate hardwood importers in
the European Union. UCIP produces a yearly statistical summary of the European plywood
trade.
x ATIBT (Association Technique Internationale des Bois Tropicaux) Many ATBT members aretropical plywood manufacturers.

Institutions related to plywood in France
x UFC (French Plywood Manufacturers Association = Union des Fabricants de Contreplaqués)UFC brings together a dozen members and accounts for 95 % of the French production of
plywood. UFC is a member of FEIC (the European Federation of Plywood Industry)x LCB (Le Commerce du Bois = French Timber Trade Federation)
LCB has a plywood committee and the plywood imports statistics are reported in its monthly
magazine “Commerce International du Bois”. LCB is a central point of information for the
plywood trade, as it is for all other wood products.
Terminology, nomenclature and tariffs

Terminology
In Europe, the “Tropical Plywood” heading is commonly used for three different types of panels:x Plywood made throughout of tropical veneersx Plywood with alternate plies of tropical and temperate hardwoods (“combi”) e.g. plywood
made of okoumé and poplar
x Plywood with tropical veneer faces (“twin”) e.g. maritime pine or poplar core with okoumé
faces
In some of its plywood data tables, FEIC mentions “Faces of tropical hardwood”. In some European
statistical presentations, blockboard is included in the same statistical group as plywood. 3

2
3

EPF: http://www.mdf-info.org/website%5Fepf/
Blockboard is a diminishing production in Europe. The main producers are Germany, Italy, Poland
and the Czech Republic The total European production of blockboard in 2004 amounted to268,000 m³. Data source: FEIC
-91-

Activity nomenclature: NACE Codes
NACE (Nomenclature of Economic Activities in the European Community) provides a harmonizedstatistical classification of economic activities in the EU according to the nature of goods and services
produced or by the nature of the production process used. NACE 20 comprehends the manufacture ofwood and wood products, except furniture, which falls under NACE 36.10. The NACE code for woodbased panels manufacturing is 20.2. Each country can add more letters for a better national
identification. The French national NACE code for wood based panels manufacturing is 20.2Z. For astudy like the present one, the NACE nomenclature is not detailed enough and can only give generalindications regarding the overall trend of an industrial sector.

Product nomenclature: HS
The many problems raised by the nomenclature are reported in chapter 1.5 with some practicalexamples related to plywood, such as the ambiguous declarations of topical plywood under 4412 13 90
or 4412 14 00 (“…. other, at least one outer ply of non coniferous wood”).

Table 2.3.3
France: Plywood Imports from Indonesia
2004
Code
QTY m34412…..
Coniferous
19 00
177
Temperate *14 00
15 611
13 10
Tropical
19 58413 90
22 99
Overlaid
29 80
15
92 99
22 91
29 20
219
Others
92 91
99 20
Total
35 606* In French: Feuillus (Broad-leafed)
Data source : French Customs / LCB
It is quite clear that in the case of Indonesia the panels listed as “Temperate hardwoods” in some
European statistical reports were in fact “Tropical”. An analysis of imports statistics from Brazil
brings similar conclusions. As it is now, the nomenclature is too complicated, ambiguous and difficult
to check. This potential source of mistakes, when combined with rather high tariff, facilitates frauds.

Tariffs
The tariffs applied in France are the EU tariffs as specified by TARIC (Integrated Tariff of theEuropean Communities) 4. For each product covered in the report the tariffs are reported.
Table 2.3.4
EU Customs Tariff for Imported Plywood
Plywood Code = 4412 …..
%
13 90, 14 00, 19 00
7
22 10, 23 00, 92 10,692 91, 93 00 , 99 20
13 10, 22 91, 22 99, 29 20, 29 80,
1092 99, 99 80

4

TARIC: http://europa.eu.int/comm/taxation_customs/dds/en/home.htm-92-The Chinese Okoumé Plywood Tariffs
Since 2002, the European plywood producers have been addressing the European Commission about
the pressure originated by the fast increasing volumes of okoumé plywood from China that disrupted
the European market with prices considered unusually low by the European manufacturers 5 . In
November 2004, anti-dumping duties, were imposed by the European Commission on imports ofokoumé plywood produced in China. The countrywide duty amounts to 66.7%, while 4 Chinese
exporters with the exception of 4 companies who were imposed lower duties on an individual basis
ranging from 6.5% to 23.5%. The effect of this duty was quick: the Chinese exporters modified
immediately the composition of their plywood and shipped plywood containing other species than
okoumé i.e. without anti dumping duties.
It is understood that a new and eventually broader claim is being prepared by the European producers.
Standards

European Standards
CEN: The task of CEN 6 (European Standards Committee) is to develop European Standards(ENs), which are defined as “a set of technical specifications established in collaboration with andwith the approval of the parties concerned in the various member countries of CEN”. CEN delegates
the actual work to the Technical Committees (TC) These Technical Committees consist of Working
Groups (WG) that prepare the draft ENs.
x Wood-based panels Technical Committee: CEN/TC 112 7
x Plywood Working Group: WG 2 Plywood 8
Latest European standards related to plywood published / revised in 2005:
x EN 13986 “Wood-based panels for use in construction – Characteristics, evaluation of conformity
and marking” revised
x EN 14279 “Laminated Veneer Lumber (LVL) – Definitions, classification and specifications”
x EN 314-1 “Plywood – Bonding quality – Part 1 : Test methods” revised

CE Marking
The European authorities adopted the Construction Products Directive (CPD) in 1988. The scope of
the Directive is to abolish the technical barriers across the EU countries in the construction market tocreate a single European market for construction products. Plywood fits the construction productdefinition given by the CPD: “any product which is produced for incorporation in a permanent mannerin construction works, including both building and civil engineering works”. Construction products
can be used for structural or non-structural purposes. Since April 2004, CE marking is compulsory forplywood used in construction. Theoretically, it is the only certificate required for this end-use in theEU.
The precise requirements for the CE Marking are not detailed in the CPD but in Mandate M113 given
to the CEN.. The mandate specifies the characteristics subject to CE marking and the systems ofattestation of conformity. The “harmonised” European Standard (hEN 13986) is the logicalcomplement of the CPD. It defines how wood-based panels must be produced and evaluated in orderto ensure that they comply with all the requirements of the Mandate M113 for wood-based panels. EN
13986 is an explanatory dom3ent for the manufacturer, the designer and the user. The characteristic
values given by EN 13986 are based on the new version of the specification standard EN 636 forplywood.

5

See FEIC annual report
CEN: http://www.cenorm.be
7
Chairman: Mr Steffen Tobisch (Germany)
Secretariat: Mr Bernd Trepkau (DIN)
8
Convenor: Mr Bernard Chevaldonnet (France)
Secretariat: AFNOR/BNBA
6-93-

Table 2.3.5
EN 636
Specification Standards for Plywood
Allowable stresses, stiffness and density
Ozige, Sapelli, Sipo,
Keruing,
Okoume Birch, Maritime
Beech
Pine, Douglası> 12.4 in the strongest direction
3.6
4.3
5.7
-
1.5
2.0
2.5
-r
Er
Average of the 2 directions: > 4
'
500
650
550
moy
For panels made of several species, the valuesof the weaker species should be used
Table 2.3-6
Symbolı

Designation
Unit
Bending stress
N / mm2
Shear stress in the
N / mm2-plane of the board
Rolling shear stress N / mm2-r
Bending module ofkN /Erelasticity
mm2
Average density
Kg/m3
' moy
Values at 65% relative humidity and 20°C

Attestation of Conformity: The degree of involvement of Notified Bodies depends on the destinationof the panel product (structural or non-structural) and on the reaction to fire class to which the productbelongs 9.
x The (4) level is required for general non-structural uses. The marking is applied by the
manufacturer without third party control.
x The (2+) level is required for all structural plywood (S). For this conformity level a notified
certifying body is compulsory and the characteristic values of the panel should be published andcertified.
The manufacturers associations (e.g. FEIC) are confident that this set of standards will greatly help
promoting the use of plywood in structural applications. The importers and retailers are all in favour of
it but refuse to pay any premium for the CE marking. It is worth noting that the CE marking does notnecessarily have to be printed on the product itself. It may be put on a label attached to it, on its
packaging or on the accompanying commercial dom3ents.
French Standards
NF= “Norme Française” = French Standard. As soon as a European Standard (e.g. EN xxxx) is
translated and inserted in the French set of regulations, its name becomes NF EN (e.g. NF EN xxx)
CTBA publishes several periodical updates on standards. 10
As declared by the European Panel Federation:“The European Commission gave EN 13986 the formal status of ‘harmonised’ standard under theConstruction Products Directive by publishing communication 2003/C 47/02 in the Official Journal of
the European Union on 27 February 2003. This communication stipulates that the CE marking ofwood-based panels for use in construction is compulsory since 1 April 2004. Consequently, all EU
Member States meanwhile must have withdrawn their compulsory national certification systems and910

Annex III of the CPD and Annex ZA.2 of the hEN
http://217.174.207.71/~ctba/1_le_group/metiers.php?rub=actualites-94-

must have modified their building regulations to allow the use of wood-based panels in construction
and civil engineering works on the basis of the CE marking in accordance with EN 13986.” 11 In
France, the implementation of the harmonised standard is still conflicting with the French application
standards. On this point see CTB-X paragraph hereafter.

CTB-X and CTB-C
NF Extérieur CTB-X is a French certified quality label for exterior grade plywood. The certified
characteristics are:x ҏDurability and quality of species used
x Glue bond resistance to waterx Quality of faces and inner pliesx Module of elasticity
x Thickness tolerances
There is a similar quality label for concrete-forming plywood: NF Coffrage CTB-C

French application standards
The DTUs (Documents Techniques Unifiés) are the set of French Application Standards regulating theuse of building materials and building techniques. In certain respects these dom3ents do not reflect thestate of the art and do not incorporate the development of (not so) recent wood based building
materials (e.g. OSB panels). In the case of plywood, the DTUs requires, on top of the CE marking, theFrench CTB-X quality label (see 1.5.3. here above) for structural plywood. Without compliance to thisrequirement the building code conformity inspection companies will not deliver the certificate
required for the 10 years compulsory guaranty. For a foreign plywood manufacturer, there are only
two possibilities:
x to apply for and get a CTBX agreement
x to negotiate with each building code conformity inspection companies and obtain an “avistechnique”. This may be an easier approach but it is nevertheless another technical approval toapply for.
This kind of national requirement can be considered a barrier to trade of imported plywood.
It should be noted that France is not the only EU country having yet to solve similar problems withwood based building materials.

Specifications

Main plywood formats
The French market is divided 50/50 between small and large formats:
Small formats :x 2.44 x 1.22 m (8’ x 4’) International
x 2.5 x 1.22 m This format is specific to the French market and may not remain so present on
the market if the French domestic production decreases.
The small formats are the favourite sizes of the DIY retails, mainly for handling andmerchandising reasons .
Large formats :x 3.05 x 1.53 (10’ x 5’)
x 3.10 x 1.53
Large format: 60% of French building market and 90% of building materials retailers market

Thickness
A wide range of thickness is distributed in France: 5, 5.5, 6, 8, 10, 12, 15, 18, 22, 25, 30 mm
It should be noted that 5, 8, 10, 12 mm are specific to the French market.

Glue Line: WBP, MR
For construction end-uses, the French glue line quality requirement is based on the biological risk
class (1 to 3) as defined by (NF EN 335-3). The market is split 50/50 WBP and MR. MR is a specific11

FEP (European Panel Federation) Annual Report 2004-2005-95-

request of the French market and 2/3 of the tropical plywood imported is MR. Three quarters of theplywood produced in France is exterior glued. While DIYs buy 75% MR and 25% WBP, building
materials merchants buy mostly WBPGeneral plywood specifications
Table 2.3.7
Plywood
General Specifications

Requirement

Tolerance on nominal sizes: NF EN 315-± 06 mm± 1.0 mmThickness < 12 mm ± 1.5 mm
12 mm < Thickness < 25 mm a + 0.03 ea : constant± 3.5 mmThickness in same sanded panel
Thickness in same unsanded panel

Thickness between panels
Length and width
Tolerance,edge straightness: NF EN 325
Tolerance, squareness: NF EN 315
Tolerance on average density within a panel: NF EN 323
Formaldehyde emission: NF EN 1084 (*)
Emission Class A
Emission Class B-

Emission Class C

1.0 mm/m
1.0 mm/m± 10 %
 3.5 mg/m2 h> 3.5 mg/m2 hand 8 mg/m2 h> 8 mg/m2 hSpecies
As a single tropical species, Okoumé is by far the favourite species on the French market (See 2.1
Industrial Roundwood). Many others species are also used:x Ilomba,x Eyongx Fromager / Ceiba
x Igaganga
x kapokier
x Moabix Ozigox Sipox Teck,x Etc.
Today the vast majority of plywood sold in France is made of mixed species:x
Indonesian Hardwood Plywood (IHP) from Indonesia
x Mescla: (Usually avoiding Virola for the duty) from Brazil
x Twins on a poplar core from Chinax Combi made in France , mainly with poplar or maritime pinex Etc.
The importers’ views are that in the future there will be more twins made with plantation species orconiferous cores.

Overlaid plywood-96-

The brand and specification of the overlay film is considered by the main buyers an essential part ofthe panel specification and is a key marketing asset.

Logistics, shipping and conditioning

Shipping costs
The shipping costs are crucial for tropical plywood. The shipping cost from Asia to Europe accounts
for 20/25 % of the current CIF price structure 12. From every origin, the shipping costs are under
scrutiny because they are a main element of competitiveness and could become a major problem fortropical plywood. Further increments of the shipping costs could also bring some revision of thelogistic strategy (2 m3 of logs for 1 m3 of plywood).

Ports
According to ports statistics, 64 % of the maritime delivered plywood import lands in the port of La
Rochelle. The port statistics include under the same heading plywood and veneers. In reality, Nantes isthe n°1 for plywood and La Rochelle the n°1 for veneers.
The following table, with a total of about 120.000 m3 illustrates that only 30 % of the imported gets inFrance water born.
Table 2.3.8
FranceMain Plywood (All types) Importation Ports
2004
m3
La Rochelle
75 922Nantes15 279Dunkerque
12 687
Rouen-Honfleur
9 335
Le Havre *5 360
Boulogne
581
Bordeaux
201
Total* Part of data missing
Source: LCB

119 365

The port of Antwerp in Belgium is the main competitor of the French ports. The large amount of
plywood landed in Antwerp but imported by French buyers explains why Belgium is considered themain country supplying tropical plywood to France.

Conditioning
The conditioning of imported plywood is a matter of concern to the French importers and a sales
argument for the exporters. Many importers report that poor packaging is rather frequent, gives a poor
image of the product and ends in claims and expenses.
The CE marking is not always properly applied thus reducing the marketing advantage of CE declared
panels,

Deliveries
Most importers complain about uncertainties in deliveries. The main current problem regards Brazil
but Africa is also a frequent concern.

Environment
12

Current freight cost from Asia to Europe for a m3 of plywood: 105/110 US$-97-

Plywood Life Cycle Analysis
UFC sponsored an interesting programme: Life Cycle Analysis of Plywood 13 . The research was
carried by CTBA (Technical Centre for Wood and Furniture). The analysis was based on two end-uses(sidings and sheathing) and aimed at producing environmental declaration data sheets

Certification
Talking plywood, concerns about certification may not be as present in every interview as it is forsawnwood but it is now quite present in the mind of all importers. In some ways it could be said that,as regards certification and tropical imported plywood, the French market is in a transition phase inwhich the price/quality ratio is absolutely the main criteria: for the time being no premium is paid for
certified plywood. Some of the major importers are in the process of getting their chain of custodycertified and they expressed their concerns about the legality of some of their supply (e.g. corematerial of some plywood from Asia). In the meantime, at the distribution level there no promotion forcertified plywood.

Plywood production

Europe: Wood Based Panels Production
2004 was another year of continuous growth of the European wood-based panel production.
This industry accounts now for 9% of the total European woodworking industry 14.
Figure 2.3.1
80

million m3

EU 25
Wood Based Panels
Production
Source: FEIC

60
40
20

20
04

20
02

20
00

19
98

19
96

19
94

19
92

0

In most European countries, the fibre and particle wood-based panels producers are being confronted
with increasing costs for their wood raw material. This is due to increasing competition with theenergy producers who receive government support for using renewable energy sources. With this“renewable energy” the authorities hope to contribute to their commitments under the Kyoto Protocol
on climate change.

Europe: Plywood Production (All species)
Accounting for 6% of the total wood based panels production, plywood is a minor production in
Europe. The European plywood production grows at a slower pace than the other panels. In 2004 the
FEIC member countries, increased their plywood production by 2.9% up to 3.8 million m³.15

13

According to XP P 01-010 Standard, Environmental Quality of Building Products
Source : FEP
15
Source : FEIC annual report, 2005
14

-98-

Figure 2.3.2
4

EU 25 Plywood Production

million m3

Source: FEIC

3.5
3
2.5
2
1.5
1
0.5

20
04

20
02

20
00

19
98

19
96

19
94

19
92

0

The main production increments in 2004 came from Finland, the largest European plywood producer,
and France (mainly with coniferous plywood). The main reduction took place in Italy, with the closureof two major poplar plywood mills.
The prospective trend for plywood in Europe is quite positive. A strong growth in all parts of the woodbased panels sector is expected in the future, reflecting the continued expansion across this sector inWestern Europe and the continued recovery of the sector in Eastern Europe. Western Europe iscurrently the largest producer and consumer of plywood and veneer sheets in Europe and this is
expected to continue, although Western Europe’s dominance of production is expected to decline.
Average annual growth in production and consumption is expected to amount to 2.4 percent and 2.1
percent respectively over the next two decades. Production will increase from 4.7 million m3 per year
to 5.9 million m3 per year and consumption will increase from 7.9 million m3 per year to 10.9 million
m3 per year, leading to an increase in net imports into Western Europe from 3.2 million m3 per year to
5.0 million m3 per year. Source: European Forest Sector Outlook, UNECE
Tropical plywood accounts for a significant proportion of plywood imports into Western Europe, but it
is expected that imports from the CIS sub-region will increase in importance in the future. Source:
European Forest Sector Outlook, UNECE
Figure 2.3.3
7.0

million m3

6.0

EuropePlywood Production Trends
and Projections

5.0

Source: EFSOS
Forecast Kangas & Baudin

4.0

WesternEurope3.0
2.0
EasternEurope

1.0
0.0
1960

1970

1980

1990

Europe: Tropical plywood production
-99-

2000

2010

2020

Tropical plywood production is slowly declining in Europe. In 2004, the production of tropical faced
plywood decreased in nearly all European countries (- 12 %), with a drastic reduction in Italy (- 55 %).
In the meantime the temperate hardwood faced plywood production increased by 5%.
Figure 2.3.4
350EuropeTropical Plywood Production

x 1000 m3

Source: FEIC

300
250
200
150
100
50
0
2000

2001

2002

2003

2004

Currently, tropical plywood accounts for 11% of the total European plywood production
Table 2.3.9
Plywood Production FEIC Countries
Qty
2004
%
X 1000 m3
Tropical351
11
Temperate
1 639
52
hardwoods
Coniferous
1099
35
Others702
Source: FEIC
There are three main European producers of tropical plywood, France being by far the largest (76 % ofEuropean production of tropical plywood):

Table 2.3.10
EuropeTropical Plywood Production
Quantity
2004%
x1000 m3
France
269.5
76.8
Italy
66.4
18.9
Portugal
11.5
3.3
Germany
2.7
0.8
Switzerland
0.9
0.3
Poland
0.1
0.0
Total
Source: FEIC

351.1

Tropical plywood accounts for a significant proportion of plywood imports into Western Europe, but it
is expected that imports from the CIS sub-region will increase in importance in the future. Source:
European Forest Sector Outlook, UNECEFrance: Wood Based Panels Production-100-France is the second largest European wood based panels producer. The French industry is made offamily owned companies and some larger European groups. Most of the companies are based on the
Atlantic shore. They are faced with strong competition from other European productions e.g. Finland
and non-EU e.g. Brazil, Indonesia and now China. The plywood production, over the last 30 years has
been around 500.000 m3 a year.
Figure 2.3.5
900

x 1000 m3

France Plywood Production
Data Source: UNECE

750
600
450
300
150
0
1961 1966 1971 1976 1981

1986 1991 1996 2001

The French plywood production depends heavily on tropical plywood which accounts for a highpercentage of the national production (2/3).
Table 2.3.11
France Plywood Production
Quantity% of French
2004
x1000
Production
m3
Tropical
269.5
65.6 %
Temperate
17.3
4.2 %
hardwoods
Coniferous
123.9
30.2 %
Total
410.7
Source: FEICFrance: Tropical plywood production
The French tropical plywood manufacturers are now in a very serious crisis. It the coming years they
will have to take strategic decisions (See introduction) regarding the location of their plywood plants.
Figure 2.3.6
350

x 1000 m3

FranceTropical Plywood Production
Source: FEIC

300
250
200
150
100
50
0
2000

2001

2002

2003

2004

The number of French manufacturers volume of tropical plywood as well as the volume produced in
France is bound to diminish in the coming years. In the first phase the surviving industries are likely toimport more veneers from their African subsidiaries. The combined effect of national policies in-101-

Africa favouring domestic downstream manufacturing and increased cost of ocean transport may
stimulate the French manufacturers to transfer a larger part of their industrial activity in Africa.
The high grade and speciality products would be the last production to move.
In 2004, tropical plywood accounted for 65 % of the overall French plywood production. 16
Plywood Imports

Europe: Plywood Imports (All types)
During 2004, imports of plywood in Europe amounted to 5.3 million m³. 17.
Figure 2.3.7
6.0

million m3

EU25 PLywood imports

5.8

Data source: FEIC-Eurostat

5.6
5.4
5.2
5.0
4.8
4.6
4.4
2000

2001

2002

2003

2004

The main European importers of plywood are UK (25%) and Germany (18%).
Table 2.3.12
EU25 Plywood Import 2004
x 1000 m3%UK*
1 474.3
25.3
Germany
1 072.3
18.4
Belgium-Lux
612.9
10.5
Italy
464.7
8.0
Netherlands*
459.4
7.9
France411.8
7.1
Denmark*
368.5
6.3
Sweden172.4
3.0
Ireland*
147.4
2.5
Spain
129.8
2.2
Austria*
100.4
1.7
Others
505.2
8.7
Total EU 25
5 818.7
Source: FEIC-Eurostat*

100.0

Several countries, among the major European consumers, e.g. UK, Netherlands, Denmark and Ireland,
are totally dependant of imports for their plywood consumption. The most aggressive and fastest
growing exporter to Europe is China with rapidly rising volumes of low price plywood, including
Okoumé 18. Even with a reduced volume of okoumé plywood in 2004, the imports of other Chinese
plywood continued to increase spectacularly and more than doubled in 2004 up to nearly 300,000 m³.
16

Data UFC
Data FEIC 2004 report.
18
See Chap……..on duty
17

-102-

The Chinese exporters now offer new species mix: kedongdong, red canarium bintangor, coniferous
and film-faced plywood.

Europe: Tropical plywood imports
Annually, the European countries import more than 1 million m3 of tropical plywood. This Figure
includes imports of all EU25 countries from Europe and abroad, with a negative trade balance of
682,000 m3. In 2004, 64 % of the imports of tropical plywood came from non-EU countries.

Figure 2.3.8

1.2

million m3

EU25 Tropical Plywood imports
Data source: UNECE

1.1
1.0
0.9
0.8
2000

2001

2002

2003

2004

Figure 2.3.9 Europe, Tropical Plywood Import by Origin
Ghana
1%
Ivory Coast
2%

Others12%
Indonesia
44%

Gabon
4%

Brazil12%

Source: FEIC

China
19%

EuropeTropical Plywood Imports-103-France: Plywood imports
In 2004 the French imports of plywood (all types) increased 5.4 % to 412,000 m3.
Figure 2.3.10
450x 1000 m3

FrancePlywood Imports

400

Source: FEIC

350
300
250
200
150
100
50
-

2000

2001

2002

2003

2004

France: Tropical Plywood imports
The value of 2004 plywood imports from tropical countries amounts to 76 million Euro 19
corresponding to 8 % of the total tropical products import value. Imports of tropical plywood
decreased by 5%, down from 102 026 m3 in 2003 to 96 929 m3 in 2004 20. The main reduction camefrom Indonesia (- 35 %) and Malaysia (- 27 %). Chinese hardwood plywood increased by 11 %. In
2004, tropical plywood accounted for 23.5 % of the overall French plywood imports 21 and 48 % of
the tropical plywood imports came from EU countries. 22
Table 2.3.13
France Plywood Import 2004
x 1000 m3%
Tropical92 93224
Temperate
hardwoods
134 955
33
Others48 51010
Coniferous
133 706
33
Total
Source: LCB

410 103100

In 2004, European countries, which are not tropical plywood producers e.g. Belgium, Germany andNetherlands, increased their exports to France. While the tropical plywood import from China
decreased by 20 %, the total Chinese plywood import increased by 38% : Coniferous + 2,219 m3,
Temperate hardwoods + 2,741 m3, “Others” + 1,917 m3. Over the years the French imports of tropicalplywood from Africa and Asia have been declining.

19

Data source: Report authors estimate based on French Customs data.
Data UFC
21
Data UFC
22
Data Eurostat: IntraEU 52,000, extra-EU 48,000 m3
20

-104-

Figure 2.3.11
300 1000 m3

France: Imports of Tropical Plywood
Including South American Softwood Plywood

250
200
150
100
50

Source: UCBD / Desclos, Pedersen01990 1992 1994 1996 1998 2000 2002
Regarding South America, the statistics could easily be misleading due to the growing amount of othertypes of plywood (30,000 m3 coniferous and 15,000 m3 of would be “temperate” in 2004) imported
from Brazil. Tropical plywood as such 23 accounted only for 24% in 2003 and 22% in 2004 24
Figure 2.3.12
2501000 m3

France: Imports of Tropical Plywood

AFRICAASIACENT / SOUTH AMERICA ** Including South American Softwood

200

150

100

50
Source: UCBD / Desclos, Pedersen

0

1990

23
24

1992

1994

1996

Codes 44121310 & 44121390
Data LCB
-105-

1998

2000

2002

Table 2.3.-14
France Tropical Plywood Imports m3
%
total
2003
2004
2004
Belgium-Lux
13,742 17,357
19
Germany
5,891
7,519
8
Italy
2,365
3,921
4
Netherlands
1,836
2,633
3
Spain
1,646
1,818
2
Others W. Europe
1 190
1,914
2
38
Western Europe
26,670 35,162
Cameroon
1,342
763
1
Cote d'Ivoire
6,701
6,461
7
Gabon
11,639 10,339
11
Others Africa
562
155
0
19
Africa20,244 17,718
Brazil
13,593 12,107
13
Other America
576
3
0
13
America
14,169 12,110
China
9,901
7,905
9
Indonesia
25,993 19,584
21
Malaysia
680
450
0
30
Asia
36,574 27,939
6
3
0
Other World
Total 97,663 92,932 100
Source: LCB
Plywood Exports

Europe: Plywood Exports (All types)
The main growth of European exports was achieved during the last two years. Over the last five years,
Finland increased its export as well as Germany, Belgium and UK. France and Italy regressed in thesame period.
Figure 2.3.13
3.2

million m3

EU25 PLywood Exports
Data source: FEIC-Eurostat

3.0
2.8
2.6
2.4
2.2
2000

2001

2002

2003

-106-

2004

Europe: Tropical plywood exports
Most of the tropical plywood exports go to EU25 countries. In 2004, the quantity exported out of thecontinent amounted to 24.000 m3 25 equivalent to 6% of the total wood based panels volume exportedout of EU25.

France: Plywood exports
Since 2001, the volume of the French plywood export has been static around 220,000 m3/year.
Figure 2.3.14
300

FrancePlywood Exports

x 1000 m 3

Source: FEIC
250
200
150
100
50
-

2000

2001

2002

2003

2004

In 2004, tropical plywood accounted for 56 % of the overall French plywood export.26 and 94 % of thetropical plywood exports went to EU countries 27.
Table 2.3.15
France Plywood Export 2004
x 1000 m3%
Tropical123 360
56
Temperate
hardwoods
3 665
2Others6 414
3Coniferous
86 09639
Total
Source: UFC

219 535

100

Plywood Consumption

Europe: Plywood Consumption (All types)
In 2004, the European plywood consumption was close to 6 million m3. For the last five years theconsumption grew nearly constantly. The main growth, in volume took place in the UK (by far the n°1
market), Finland and Denmark.

25

Calculated on FEIC data
Data UFC
27
Data Eurostat
26

-107-

Figure 2.3.15
5.8

million m3

EU15 Plywood Consumption
Data source: FEIC

5.6
5.4
5.2
5.0
4.8
4.6
4.4
2000

2001

2002

2003

2004

France: Plywood Consumption (All types)
During the last five years the French consumption of plywood has been rather static around 600,000
m3/year.
Figure 2.3.16
7001000 m3

France Plywood Consumption
Data source: FEIC

600
500
400
300

2000

2001

2002

2003

2004

As shown in the following graph, the gap between consumption and domestic production has been
constantly widening since 2001.
Figure 2.3.17

7001000 m3

FrancePlywood

Consumption

600
500
400

Production

300

Source: FEIC

98

99

00

01

02

03

04

In 2004, with 240,000 m3, tropical plywood accounted for 40 % of the overall French plywood
consumption 28.

End Uses
The main end uses for plywood in France are construction, packaging, furniture, transport vehicles(buses, trucks, touring caravans, motor homes and railcars) and naval construction.
28

Data UFC-108-

France is the n°1 sailing boat builder and this sector is an important consumer of high-grade exterior
plywood.
French market, all plywood types :Figure 2.3.18
Transport
10%

Others25%

Packaging
15%

Furniture
10%

Construct.
40%

France Plywood End Uses

Source: FEIC

Market Drivers
The market drivers for tropical plywood in France are the general economy, the housing starts, and thesales of trucks, caravans and boats. Furniture follows housing starts will some delay and packaging islinked to the overall industrial activity.

Factors Affecting Competitiveness

Competition between Tropical Plywoods
The competition is fierce between the various tropical plywoods. On the lower end of the market
China is very aggressive and on the upper end Africa seems to have higher production and logistic
costs but maintain its volume of shipments. Brazil is perceived as a growing supplier. An importantpart of the French production services the high grade certified product market.

Price volatility
Traditionally, it was the importers’ role to manage frequent and brisk price variations. With theevolution of the trade structure (more direct trade between producer and end-users), the industry faces
difficulty to cope with prices uncertainties, and there is little doubt that any extension of pricecommitments period would stimulate the importation trade.

Competitiveness and Logistics
Price is not the only criteria. Logistics play an important role. Availability of containers is a main
factor, even if it is often difficult to optimize the load of containers other than “high cubes”. The needfor containerisation will be more crucial in the future with the growth of value-added products
imports, while the shipping of commodities may remain traditional for a longer period. The combined
factors of delivery (including container facilities) play a important role in the competitiveness of the
distribution and explain why some foreign ports e.g. Antwerp are so successful in landing tropicalplywood for the French market.

-109-

2.4

VENEERS

French peeled veneer manufacturing: an integrated production
It should be clearly stated as an introduction that, in France, peeled, sliced and sawn veneers are very
distinct products belonging to very different domains:xxx

Peeled veneers manufacturing is a step of the plywood manufacturing process. As such thisactivity is fully integrated in the plywood plants and, practically, is not considered in France
as an independent activity. It accounts, by far for the largest part of the production.
Sliced veneer manufacturing, on the contrary, while a much smaller activity in matter ofvolume, is an independent activity with import, export and domestic trade.
Sawn veneers are produced in very small volumes in small units. This product is mainly
used in cabinet making and is often closer to craftsmanship than to industry.

The statistical sources available do not differentiate the type of veneers. The mix of these different
types in a same statistic database gives a blurred picture of this sector. This fact, combined with thelarge variety of species explain the wide range of price/unit (It varies from less than 1,000 to morethan 16,000 €/m3CIF).
. Table 2.4.1

France Veneers
2004
TropicalTemperate
Coniferous ****

Production
n.a. ****
**

Total

Imports
MT
70 327 MT *15 954 MT *27 761 MT *Exports
MT
4 704 MT *16 272 MT *2 009 MT *Consumptioncum
87 000 **35 000 *****114 042 MT *22 985 MT *174 000 ****** Apparently, the UNECE data does not consider the coniferous veneer production andconsumption of veneers used in the French made plywood*** Calculated from UNECE data**
Source: UNECE 2000/2004 Prov / Desclos Pedersen*
Source : French Customs
Date of data collection: July 2005
Table 2.4.2
France Tropical Veneers

Production
Consumption
Imports
Exports
ITTO Import Stats
Source : UNECE 2000/2004

2000
n.a.
6 000
33 00027 3902001
n.a.
18 00048 00030 610

cum
2002
n.a.
36 00067 00030 430Date of data collection: July 2005

-110-

2003
n.a.
55 00077 00021 60077 0002004
n.a.
87 00093 000
6 020

Table 2.4.3
FranceTropical Veneer Data Comparison 2004
Source
Unit
Production
Imports
Exportsm3
UNECE
93 0006 020
MT70 327
French Customs
4 704
MTCOMTRADE
70 246
4 522
m3
UCBD
106 600** Data 2003 Date of data collection: July 2005

Consumption
87 000

Data Sources
For different reasons there are few French statistics published for veneers. Peeled veneers production
data stay in each plywood manufacturer cost accounting books. The Chambre Syndicale Nationale desBois de Placage, the industrial federation to which the veneer slicing companies report does not collectand publish production data. The few data available are customs data and data derived by the French
department of economy from invoicing and manufacturing ratios. The customs statistics (expressed in
kg and in Euro) identify the tropical veneers. None of the two sources of statistics differentiate peeledand sliced. The FAO stats, based on French declaration are expressed in m3 and US$. UCBD publishes
every year a clear and useful synthesis in m3 and RWE of the European countries import without
differentiation between peeled and sliced veneers. UNECE offers a complete and reliable set of
statistics regarding tropical veneers but there is no data reported for the French production.

Institutions related to veneers
Europe:

The institutions dealing with peeled tropical veneers are he same than for plywood. See
Chapter 2.3

France:

The institutions dealing with tropical veneers reflect the difference between peeled andsliced veneers.

xx

The producers of peeled veneers refer, like the plywood manufacturers to UFC (see 2.13)
The sliced veneers industrial association is the Chambre Syndicale Nationale des Bois dePlacage, hosted by the FNB (Federation Nationale du Bois, National Wood Federation) which
is a major French organization regrouping the French sawmilling and logging sector.

Tariffs
The tariffs applied in France are the EU tariffs as specified by TARIC (Integrated Tariff of theEuropean Communities) 29
Table 2.4.4
EU Customs Tariff
for Imported Tropical Veneers
Veneer Code = 4408 ….
3955
3121
3921, 3985, 3995
3111, 3125
3915
3130
3931, 3935,

29

%
3
4
4.9
6

TARIC: http://europa.eu.int/comm/taxation_customs/dds/en/home.htm-111-

Species
As a single tropical species, Okoumé (mainly peeled but also sliced) is by far the favourite species of
the French market (See Industrial Roundwood 2.1 and Plywood 2.3). Many others species are also
used:Table 2.4.5
FranceMain Tropical Veneers Used
PeeledSliced
Aiele
Ako
Ayous
Eyong
Fromager
Kapokier
SapelliEtc.

Aniégré
Ako
Bahia
Khaya
KossipoKoto
Makoré
PadoukSapelliSipo
Tauari
Wengé
Etc.

Standards
ISO, the international standard organisation, is currently developing a standard covering terminology,
technical characteristics and tolerances for veneers.
Veneers Production
Europe: Veneer Production
The source of the European production data reported hereafter is the FAO database. Since 1998 nearly
all European countries reduced their production, the main decline coming from Spain, France and
Italy.
Figure 2.4.1
1,8001000 m3

1,600
1,400
1,200
1,000
800
600

EU15
Production of Veneers

400
200

Source: FAO / Desclos, Pedersen01961 1967 1973 1979 1985 1991 1997 2003

France is the third largest European producer. Italy is the first, with a major poplar veneer production.

-112-

Table 2.4.6
EU15 Veneers Production 2003
x 1000 m3%
Italy
460 000
39.0
Germany
392 000
33.2
France89 000
7.5
Finland
70 000
5.9
Spain
55 000
4.7
Belgium
48 000
4.1
Portugal
28 0002.4
Austria
23 420
2.0
Sweden
15 0001.3
Total
1 180 420
Data source : FAO / Desclos Pedersen

France: Tropical Veneers Production
As mentioned above, it is difficult to get data on the amount of tropical veneers (peeled or sliced)
produced in France. Previous studies 30 reported that France produced 80,000 m3 of tropical veneers in1993 and only 5,000 in 1999. Considering the volume of peeler logs imported at the time, the 1999
Figure may seem low if peeled veneers, or veneers used in plywood manufacturing were included.
Nevertheless, with the spectacular increase of veneers imports which took place later, there is little
doubt that the 2004 quantity is substantially inferior to the previous level.

Veneers Imports

Europe: Tropical Veneer Imports
European import of tropical veneers increased nearly constantly in the last 30 years, with anacceleration since year 2000. This recent increase of rate is mainly due to French imports.
Figure 2.4.2500
400

x 1000 m3

EuropeImports of Tropical Veneers

300
200
100
Source: UCBD / Desclos, Pedersen01985 1988 1991 1994 1997 2000 2003

The consideration made in the plywood chapter (see Chapter 2.3) regarding the uncertainties of thenomenclature (44 08) application applies as well to the veneer trade.
Since 2002, France is the first European importer of tropical veneers and its import is growing very
fast while Italian import is slightly declining.

30

De Boer 1995, ITTO 1999
-113-

Table 2.4.7
EuropeTropical Veneers Import 2004
x 1000 m3
France93
Italy
69
Denmark
50
Spain
41
Germany
27
Portugal
19
Netherlands
15
United Kingdom
13
Belgium
10

%
25.8
19.1
13.8
11.3
7.3
5.3
4.1
3.5
2.7

Others6.9

25

Total EU25
362
Source: UNECE 2004 / Desclos Pedersen

France: Tropical Veneers Imports
The 2004 tropical veneer import value amounts to 67 million Euro 31 corresponding to 7 % of the total
tropical products import value.

Origin of Imports
Most of the major French plywood producers have now peeling plants operating in Gabon. The current
upsurge of veneer import is not a surprise. It is more a logistic and industrial fact than a commercial
evolution.
Figure 2.4.3
1201000 m3

100
80

FranceImports of Tropical Veneers

60
40
20
Source: UCBD / Desclos, Pedersen

0
1988

31

1991

1994

1997

2000

2003

Data source: Report authors estimate based on French Customs data.
-114-

Tropical veneers are now the majority of veneers imported in France.
Figure 2.4.4
65
60
55
50
45
40
35
30
25
20

%
Source: UNECE
Desclos Petersen

FranceTropical Veneers Imports% of Total Veneers Imports
2000

2001

2002

2003

2004

Tropical veneers import comes essentially from Africa with one partner: Gabon. In 2004 98.9 % fromAfrica (86% from Gabon) 32
Figure 2.4.5
x 1000 MT -

10

20

30

40

50

Gabon
Equat. Guinea
Germany
Congo (rep)France Imports 2004.
Tropical Sheets for Veneers
4408

Spain
Belgium
Ghana
Cote-d' Ivoire
Source: French Customs / Desclos, Pedersen

OthersTropical veneers species
As said earlier Okoumé is by far the main species imported,
Table 2.4.8
France Imports 2004
Tropical Veneers Sheets
MT
White lauan, sipo, limba, okoumé,
440839 +15+21+31+35 *Meranti ….
440831Others440839 +55+70+85+95

64,309
558
5,461

Total
70,328* White lauan, sipo, limba, okoumé, obéché, acajoud'Afrique, sapelli, virola, mahogany (Swietenia spp.),palissandre de Rio, palissandre de Para and palissandre deRose* * Dark red meranti, light red meranti and meranti
Data source : French Customs / Desclos Pedersen

32

Data source : UCBD
-115-

And, by far, the main supplier is Gabon.
Table 2.4.9
Tropical Sheets Veneers
MT
White lauan, sipo, limba, okoumé, ….
440839 +15+21+31+35 *
2002
2003
Gabon
38 27845 514
Eq.. Guinea
1 253
3 360
Germany
88
613
Congo D R.
322
372
Spain
734
913
Others
3 710
2 101

2004
47 262
5 842
4 962
2532
1 978
1 732

Total
44 38552 87264 309* White lauan, sipo, limba, okoumé, obéché, acajoud'Afrique, sapelli, virola, mahogany (Swietenia spp.),palissandre de Rio, palissandre de Para and palissandre deRose
Data source : French Customs / Desclos Pedersen

Veneers Export

Europe: Veneer Exports
Figure 2.4.6
120

EU25
Tropical Veneers
Export1000 m3

100
80
60
40
20

Source: UNECE / Desclos Pedersen

0
2000

2001

2002

2003

-116-

2004

Table 2.4.10
EuropeTropical Veneers Export 2004
1000 m3
%
Spain
17
23.2
Germany
15
20.5
Italy
7
9.5
Portugal
7
9.5
France6
8.2
Belgium
6
8.0
Netherlands
5
6.4
United Kingdom
2
3.3
Denmark2
2.2
Others6

8.2

Total EU25
73
Source: UNECE 2004 Prov / Desclos Pedersen

France: Veneer Exports
The diminishing production in France combined with rising imports results in a brisk fall of the French
export, plummeting since 1999
Figure 2.4.7
801000 m3

60

FranceExports of Veneers

40

20
Source: FAO / Desclos,01961 1967 1973 1979 1985 1991 1997 2003

Veneers Consumption

Europe: Veneers Consumption
Hardwood Veneers Consumption in Europe: Italy is by far the main consumer of hardwood
plywood (most of it ). France is the 3rd and accounts for 9 % of the European apparent consumption.
Considering the recent evolution of the Italian industry (Closure of 3 plywood plants in 2004) France
will represent in future a higher percentage of the total European consumption.

-117-

Table 2.4.11
EuropeHardwood Veneers Consumption
Quantity
2004
x1000 cum
Italy
613
Spain
128
France122
Poland88
Denmark
68
Belgium
60
Slovenia
38
Roumanie
37
Portugal
36
Lithuania
31
Others

202

%
43
9
9
6
5
4
3
3
3
2
14

Total
1,426
Source: UNECE 2004 Prov / Desclos Pedersen
Tropical Veneers Consumption in Europe : The evolution of the European consumption as shownin the following table may seem a paradox if compared with the evolution of the European tropicalplywood production. Two factors explain these apparent discrepancies:x Tropical sliced veneers are not only used on plywood. There are commonly used on a wide rangeof other panels: particle board, MDF, blockboard, etc.
x Part of the increment of the apparent consumption (mainly in the peeled veneers sector) is
originated by the switch from European produced veneers to imported veneers. As said in the
introduction of this chapter, quite an amount of the European peeled veneers production is notreported in the statistics.
Figure 2.4.8
1000 m3

300
250

EU25
Tropical Veneers
Consumption

200
150
100
50

Source: UNECE / Desclos Pedersen

0
2000

2001

2002

2003

2004

France is the main consumer of tropical veneers. This is due to its tropical plywood industry (3/4 of
the European tropical plywood production)-118-

Table 2.4.12
EuropeTropical Veneers Consumption
1000
2004
cum
France87
Italy
62
Denmark48
Spain
24
Portugal
14
Belgium
12Germany
11
UK
10
Pays-Bas
10
Others

%

21

29.1
20.7
16.0
8.0
4.7
3.9
3.8
3.5
3.4
7.0

Total
300
Source: UNECE 2004 Prov / Desclos Pedersen

France: Hardwood Veneer Consumption
There is no separate data available for the consumption of tropical veneers. The following table reports
hardwood veneers (including tropical).
Figure 2.4.9
1401000 m3

120
100

60

FranceNon Coniferous Veneers
Consumption

40

Including Tropical Veneers

80

20
0
2001

Source: UNECE / Desclos, Pedersen

2002

2003

2004

Competition
x Peeled veneers.

In the peeled veneer sector, the competition is fierce for the core material (See chapter on “twinplywod” Chapter 2.3). There is a growing use of softwoods and poplars for plywood cores and thistrend, for European made plywood, is unlikely to change. Tropical veneers, mainly okoumé,
remain the main and favourite product for the high grade exterior plywood (marine and CTB-X),
including for cores.
x Sliced veneers.
The favourite sliced veneer species in France is white oak, but the main competition for the tropicalsliced veneers is the same than for the temperate. The main challenge comes from the many
synthetic look-alikes. They are progressively chasing true veneers out of some markets. Thisalready happened in commercial and public buildings. In reaction to this, the French producers are
considering to promote a “True Wood” label as their Italian colleagues did with the “Vero Legno”
label 33.

Promotion
ATIBT has published end-user guide, the Technical Guide for Tropical Veneer.

33

www.verolegno.it
-119-

2.5

FURNITURE

France: a big consumer of furniture with fast growing import from tropical countries
France is the fourth largest importer of furniture and accounts for 4% of the global production.
FranceFurniture 2004
From
TropicalCountries
Billion Euro

Table 2.5.1

Production
ImportExportConsumption

0.5 *Total **
6.2
4.6
2.1
8.57

** Source: IPEA
* Source : Calculated by the authors
from French Customs data
Date of data collection: July 2005
Since 1999 furniture imports have been steadily growing while exports were decreasing. During 2004,
exports raised by 1% and imports by 11% 34 . The imports from tropical countries are rising
spectacularly: +36% in the last three years. They amount to 500 million Euro 35 corresponding to 13 %of the total furniture import and 50 % of the total tropical products import values.
Figure 2.5.1
FranceImports of Furniture
Million Euro
from Tropical Countries

550

500

450

400

350
Source: French Customs / Desclos, Pedersen

300
2002

2003

2004

Wood Furniture / Wood in Furniture
Most furniture pieces are products with a high value-added ratio. In some types of furniture, the woodmaterial used is the very core of the value of the piece of furniture but in others, like upholstered sofas,
the proportion of wood, in value and volume, is minimal while the piece of furniture is still classified
under the heading “Seats, with wooden frames”. Upholstered furniture, for example has one of thehighest trade value in the ECE with a wood based products content which is very low in quantity,
quality and value.

34
35

Source : Agreste conjoncture, n°1 2005
Data source: Report authors estimate based on French Customs data.
-120-

Figure 2.5.2
5Billion Euro

Imports

4
France. Furniture
International Trade

3

Exports2
Source: Sessi / IPEA / Desclos, Pedersen

1
1999

2000

2001

2002

2003

Data Sources
The statistics mentioned in this chapter come from IPEA statistical release, from the UNECE database
and the European Panel Federation Reports.
Statistics on furniture may be confusing and have to be carefully analysed: the presence of aircraft
seats, for example, can give quite a different picture of a balance of trade for a given country.

Institutions related to furniturexx

Europe
UEA = EFF = European Furniture Federation
On its web site 36 , EFF publishes an interesting SWOT analysis of the European furnitureindustry.
FranceUNIFA = Union Nationale des Industries Françaises de l' Ameublement = Union of French
Furniture Industries 37
IPEA = Institute for Furnishing Promotion and Studies 38 is a department of UNIFA, providing
economic studies, analysis on the furniture markets in France. IPEA publish an annual
collection of data: Le Meubloscope
CTBA =Technical Center for Wood and Furniture. CTBA is the central French technicalinstitution
for Wood and Furniture.

Nomenclature
The product nomenclature is based on the HS (Harmonised System) which provides a classificationaccording to trade.

36

www.ueanet.com
www.mobilier.com
38
www.ipea.fr
37

-121-

Table 2.5.2
EU Nomenclature
for Imported Furniture
Product
Seats (other than those of heading No. 9402), whether or notconvertible into beds, and parts thereofSeats other than garden seats or camping equipment,
convertible into beds
Seats, with wooden frames Upholstered
Seats, with wooden frames other
Other furniture and parts
Wooden office furniture
Wooden kitchen furniture
Wooden Bedroom furniture
Other furniture and parts thereof of wood
Parts of wood

Code 94 …
01
40
61
69
03
30
40
50
60
9030

Species
For indoor furniture, it is difficult to name all the species and even to name a favourite. It should be
noted that, anyhow, when talking indoor furniture, by far, the main tropical product is a sliced veneer.
Main species used for furniture manufactured in France:
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x

acajoubois de roseebonybois de roseebeneseucalyptus
bete
framirebahia
avodireaniegrelauanskoto
merantismakoreiroko
kaori
kosipoAt the lower end of the imported furniture market rubberwood, under a very wide range of finishes
seems ubiquitous.
For outdoor furniture, tropical species keep a large share of the market. Teak remains the favourite
species, but many other species are processed in France such as iroko and eucalyptus. Imported garden
furniture adds a much wider range of species e.g. keruing, yellow balau, kapur. It is not rare to see
other species presented wrongly as teak. Quite noticeable is the success of tropical eucalyptus ingarden furniture. This product is now widely distributed by the major non specialised chain stores.

-122-

Tariffs
The tariffs applied in France are the EU tariffs as specified by TARIC ( Integrated Tariff of the European
Communities) 39

Table 2.5.3
EU Customs Tariff
Imported Furniture
Furniture Code = 94 ….
039030, 0340, 9030%
2.7Standards
All European standards apply in France.
The French “Direction Générale de la Concurrence” (General Directorate of Consumption) rules
furniture labelling with a new standard furniture labelling 40 . This standard is quite important fortropical wood because it requires a clear identification of the materials and species. It was partly
conceived to avoid the confusion between wood and look-alikes.

Environment
Regarding environment, the French furniture retailers have been under less pressure than the DIY
chains. The market for environmentally certified products, up to now, comes essentially from large
accounts and public organisations.

Eco labellingxxEurope: “Eco label” is a European project of Environmental Label for furniture. 41
France: “NF Environnement Ameublement” is the French ecolabel for furniture. Up to recent
times it was mainly targeting office and public procurement but it is now starting in thehousehold furniture. Essentially this label requires the respect of rules regarding the life
cycle of the products, the production process, the refuses, the emission of gas and theenergy savings. For the solid wood part a 50% quota coming from sustainably managed
forest is required (20% for the panels)

Certification
Certification is now quite present in some sectors of the distribution. This is the case for the young
household market e.g. IKEA but also for the general food stores of which the wooden garden furniture
is often certified, essentially FSC. From European or domestic supply, many manufacturers mention
PEFC but very few labels are seen.
Furniture Production

Europe: Furniture Production
The furniture industry is one of the largest European manufacturing industries and, even with adecreasing share, it accounts for 38% of the world’s production. Italy ranks 2nd and Germany 3rdamong the world largest furniture producer (France 6th) 42.

39

TARIC: http://europa.eu.int/comm/taxation_customs/dds/en/home.htm
DGCCRF: http://www.finances.gouv.fr/DGCCRF/04_dossiers/consommation/ficonso/c08.htm
41
Ecolabel : http://europa.eu.int/comm/environment/ecolabel/product/pg_furniture_en.htm
42
Data 2003
40

-123-

Figure 2.5.3
90

EU15
Furniture Production

billion Euros

88
86
84
82
80
78
76
74

Source: UEA / Desclos Petersen

72
70

2000

2001

2002

2003

The recent year’s decline of production is due to the stagnating demand in the majority of EU
countries and to fast growing imports from non-EU countries. Almost all the major EU producing
countries recorded negative trends in 2003. With a annual production of 9.2 billion Euro France is thethird largest European producer with a size similar to Spain and UK, while Germany (19.8) and Italy
are about twice this size (19.4).
Table 2.5.4
EuropeFurniture Production 2003
BillionEuro%

Germany
Italy
France
Spain
U.K.

19.8
19.4
9.2
8.5
8.3

24.5
24
11.4
10.5
10.3

Others

15.6

19.3

Total
Data source : UEA

80.8

Ten countries have become actual members of the European Union on 1 May 2004: Cyprus, the Czech
Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Poland, Slovakia and Slovenia. Three othercountries are candidate: Bulgaria, Rumania and Turkey. This group of countries is characterised by ahigh furniture production level. According to CSIL estimates, in 2003 the total production in these 13
countries almost reached 10 billion EUR, accounting for over 5% of the world production. Among theenlargement countries, the main furniture manufacturer is by far Poland, which also ranks 12th among
the world manufacturers, whose output accounts for approximately 35% of the production in this area.
43

43

Source: EPF-124-

France: Furniture Production
France accounts for 4% of the global production of furniture44. The French production decreased by
5.8% between 2002 and 2003. The industry suffers from high manpower costs and growinginternational out-sourcing.
Figure 2.5.4
7.0

Billion Euro

6.5
6.0
5.5

FranceFurniture Production

5.0
4.5

Source: IPEA / SESSI / Desclos, Pedersen

4.0
1994

1996

1998

2000

2002

Furniture Imports

Europe: Furniture Imports
A fundamental trend, started 10 years ago, is the opening to imports of the furniture markets.
The imported furniture accounts now for about 15% of the EU market in value (5% ten years earlier)and more than 21% in volume.
Table 2.5.5
Western Europe
Furniture Imports 2004
BillionEuro
Germany
6.6
UK
5.3
France
4.4
Belgium
2.1
Austria
1.6
Netherlands
1.6
Switzerland
1.6
Spain
1.5
Italy
1.2
Sweden1.1
Others
3.2

%
21.8
17.7
14.5
6.9
5.3
5.3
5.3
5.0
3.9
3.7
10.8

Total
30.1
Data source : FEIC / CSIL
France is the 3rd largest European importer. The growing gap between the growth of imports in value
and in volume (See Figure below) shows that the increment of imports is heavy in the low end of themarket.

44

Data: CSIL
-125-

Figure 2.5.5
24

%

20

Furniture Imports:
EU Market Share in %Value

Volume16
12
Source UEA

8
4
94

96

98

00

02

In 2003, the growth rate of extra-EU imports reached 10%. The trade deficit amounted to 3.6 billion
Euros and was the double of the previous year’s deficit 45.
Figure 2.5.6
billion EuroEU Furniture
Extra-EU Trade Balance

Import15

Export12
9
6

Balance

3
0
89

-3

91

93

95

97

99

01

03

Source: UEA-6

The consideration made in others chapters regarding uncertainties of the nomenclature (44 08)
application apply as well to the furniture trade.

France: Furniture Imports
French imports are rising fast. The ratio of import, 45% 46 is superior to the European average (40%).

45
46

Source: EPF% Import / Consumption-126-

Figure 2.5.7
5.0

Billion Euro

4.5

FranceFurniture Imports

4.0

3.5
3.0
Source: Sessi / IPEA / Desclos, Pedersen

2.5
1999

2000

2001

2002

2003

Italy is the first supplier (1/4 of imports)
Table 2.5.6
FranceFurniture Importby Countries of Origin
2003
Million
Euro
Italy
1 131
Germany
550
Belgium-Lux
491
Spain
409
Poland231
Portugal
200
China
179
Denmark
142
Romania
129
Indonesia
103
Austria
96

%
24.8
12.0
10.8
9.0
5.1
4.4
3.9
3.1
2.8
2.3
2.1

Others

19.8

905

Total
Data source : IPEA

-127-

4 566

Table 2.5.7
FranceFurniture Import by Product
2003
Million Euro
Seats
1 110
upholstered704
not ……
220
other seats
186
Furniture
2 178
Bedroom
298
Diningroom
483
Kitchen240
Office
220
Other
937
Bedware125
Parts of seats
and furniture
1 153
Total
Data source : IPEA

%
24.3
15.4
4.8
4.1
47.7
6.5
10.6
5.3
4.8
20.5
2.7
25.3

4 566

Most of the imports come from European countries.
Figure. 2.5.8
FranceFurniture Imports by Origin %Europe86%

Asia
Others
1% South Africa 9%
America 2%
Source: IPEA
2%France: Furniture Imports from Tropical Countries
The 2004 furniture imports from tropical countries value amounts to 500 million Euro 47
corresponding to 13 % of the total furniture import and 50 % of the total tropical products importvalues. As can be see in the following Figure imports from tropical countries are rising fast (36% in
the last three years.)

47

Data source: Authors’ estimate based on French Customs data.
-128-

Figure 2.5.9
million Euros

550
500

FranceFurniture Importfrom Tropical countries

450
400
350
300
250

Source: French Customs / Desclos Petersen

200
2002

2003

2004

Origin of Imports from tropical countries
Table 2.5.8
FranceWood Furniture Importfrom Selected Tropical Countries
Million Euro
2003

France
2002

2004

China
BrazilIndonesia
Vietnam
India
Malaysia
Thailand

69.44
88.35
88.48
35.73
14.95
15.60
12.29

90.89
90.82
89.77
40.22
17.14
12.94
11.17

144.43
97.93
95.18
63.61
22.66
15.62
12.64

Others

41.94

39.80

47.31

366.80392.74499.38Total
Source: French Customs / Desclos, Pedersen-129-

Table 2.5.9
FranceWooden Kitchen Furniture Importfrom Selected Tropical Countries
940330China
Brazil

2003
1.2
3.9

Others

1.7

Million Euro
2,004
2004
2.7
3.8
1.8
1.8
1.8

2.1

Total
6.9
6.4
7.7
Source: French Customs / Desclos, Pedersen
Figure 2.5.10
200

Million175

FranceFurniture Imports
from China

150
125
100
75

Source: IPEA
(based on Eurostat)/ Desclos, Pedersen

50
25
0
1993

1995

1997

1999

2001

2003

Furniture Export

Europe: Furniture Exports
Italy is the leading European exporter. The countries which joined EU recently and the threecandidates are strongly export-orientated countries. In fact, almost 77% of their total furnitureproduction in 2003 was destined for exports, accounting for approximately 14% of world exports.

-130-

Table 2.5.10
Western Europe
Furniture Export 2004
Billion
Euro

%

Italy
Germany
Denmark
FranceAustria
Belgium
Spain
Sweden

8.4
5.0
2.1
1.9
1.6
1.4
1.3
1.2

32.0
19.0
7.8
7.2
5.9
5.2
4.7
4.6

Others

3.6

13.5

Total
26.4
Data source : FEIC / CSIL

100.0

In 2003, exports of furniture to extra-EU countries continued to decrease (-6.5% to 9,191 million
Euros). 48 It should be noted that China, a growing supplier to Europe is also a substantial client ofEurope.

France: Furniture Export
Globally, France ranks 9th (6th in 1999) for furniture exports. The downturn in export is continuous andimportant (- 5.7% 2002/2003) 49 The French ratio of export, 26,5% 50 is inferior to the European
average (36,5%).
Figure 2.5.11
2.5

Billion Euro

2.3

FranceFurniture Exports

2.1

1.9
Source: Sessi / IPEA / Desclos, Pedersen

1.7
1999

48
49
50

2000

Data UEA
Data IPEA / Eurostat% Export / Production
-131-

2001

2002

2003

Furniture Consumption

Europe: Furniture Consumption
Table 2.5.11
EuropeFurniture Consumption 2004
BillionEuro%
Germany
16.4
21.6
UK
12.7
16.7
Italy
12.1
15.9
France
9.6
12.7
Spain
6.7
8.9
Netherlands
2.8
3.7
Belgium
2.4
3.2
Austria
2.1
2.8
Sweden2.1
2.7
Others

9.0

11.8

Total
75.9
Data source : FEIC/ CSIL

France: Furniture Consumption
Ranking 4th consumer, France accounts for 12.7% of the European furniture consumption.
Its consumption per capita (153 Euro) is inferior to the European average (186 Euros) 51.

France: Furniture Parts Consumption
Despite substantial investments, the French industry hardly supplies half of the domestic consumptionof furniture parts. Italy is the main supplier. The main clients are the kitchen cabinet and the knocked
down furniture makers.
Figure 2.5.12
9.4

Billion Euro

9.0
8.6
8.2
7.8

FranceFurniture: Consumption
Source: IPEA / Desclos, Pedersen

7.4
1995

51

1998

Data FEIC / CSIL
-132-

2001

2004

France: Tropical Furniture Consumption
As said earlier, for what regards tropical wood, the French domestic consumption is essentially madeof panel products (and veneers). Imported garden furniture accounts for a large part of the French
consumption of tropical wood based furniture.
Figure 2.5.13
170 Million Euro
165
FranceGarden Furniture
Consumption

160
155

Sour ce: IPEA / Desclos, Peder sen

150
1997

1999

2001

2003

Competition for tropical wood
For indoor furniture, there is a dense network of shops selling cheap imported tropical furniture,including large volumes of rubberwood components. The competition regarding tropical furniturecomes also from the “young households” furniture e.g. IKEA main chains, whose production isheavily based on softwoods and look-alikes of many sorts, with a recent offer of eucalyptus products.
For outdoor furniture tropical species keep a strong share of the market and is perceived by most as
the best species for this end-use. Tropical wood is in the upper end of the market. The lower end isshared between treated pine, beech and plastic, the later being the most aggressive and widelydistributed product on the market.

-133-2.6 Builders JoineryFrance: Decking – Huge Success for Tropical Timber.

Profile of France –Builders Joinery Overview
Table 2.6.1
France 2004
Tropical *Temperate Hardwoods
Coniferous

Builders Joinery– 1000 Euro
Production
n.a
n.a.
n.a.

Total
Builders Joinery** Source French Customs

Imports
44204
n.a.
n.a.

Exports
7915
n.a.
n.a.

270 018

138 594

Consumption
n.a.
n.a.
n.a.

Tropical builders joinery represents 55% of France’s total consumption of builders joinery, according
to Syndicat National des Fabricants de Menuiseries Industrielles, SNFMI = The National Joinery
Industries Association.
PVC has gained the lion’s share of the window frame market, and is now also gaining an increasing
share of the exterior door market. There is one all-overriding reason why PVC is replacing wood: noupkeep, no maintenance.
The day the wood manufacturing industry, in collaboration with the paint/stain manufacturers, canprovide maintenance-free wood-frames, wood will regain market share in these joinery market
segments.
Imports of joinery products increased strongly – 16% in 2004 over 2003. Exports fell by 3% during
the same period. This is partly due to the strong demand in the homebuilding and homerenovating
sectors.

Institutionsx

National
SNFMI
CTBA

x

European
CEI Bois

Terminology and Nomenclature
HS Code 44.18 – « Joinery and Carpentry for construction including cellular panels, panels for parquet
and cladding (shingles and shakes) made from wood »:« Windows, French windows, and their frames, made from tropical wood »441810100000G« Doors and their frames .. of tropical wood.

441820100000Q

Common commercial terminology is « joinery ».
The imported finished joinery products, made from tropical wood, are thus identifiable.
production and consumption, the 44.18. category consists of
-134-

As to

Joinery – of which exterior joinery is made mainly from tropical and temperate hardwoods. Interiorjoinery from softwood as well as tropical and temperate hardwoods
Carpentry – is made from softwood
Parquet – panels for parquet belong to parquet products
Cladding (Shingles and Shakes), practically all made from Western Red Cedar from Canada.
There are no official statistics with relevant numbers for production or consumption of Builders
Joinery. The data shown is based on the “Données Chiffrées” provided by the SNFMI, for the year
2004.

Tariffs
Table 2.6.2
EU Customs Tariff
Imported Builders Joinery
made from tropical wood.
Code = 4418 ….
44181010, 44182010%
3Standards for Joinery

European standards / French standards
The CTBA in its « Annual Progress Statement on Standardization 52 », (by Bureau de Normalisation
du bois et de l’ameublement) reports on:“Doors, Windows, and Other Joinery »This statement explains the difficulties, in spite of meetings, working papers, etc. to create harmony
between-Europe – CE standards
international – Iso standards
French « NF » standards.

All structural components which are employed in construction must be in conformity with the « NF »(=Normes françaises) for that product category.
These standards refer to structural strength, durablity, water- air- and sound- isolation qualities,
resistance to fire, and now there are also standards for resistance to forced entry (burglary attempt).
These standards are described in « NF P.23.101, DTU 36.1 23.501. The standards 23.305, 20-522,
and 20-526 for doors and windows are being revised, as also NFP 21-111 for staircases.

Specifications

Formats
The industrial joinery manufacturers produce and stock standard formats of windows, French Doors,
Front Doors, Shutters, and Staircases. The retailers who sell these products, be it builders’ merchants,
D-I-Y markets, hypermarkets, or specialty stores, stock the standard formats.
Special sizes are manufactured to order.
52

http://217.174.207.71/~ctba/1_le_group/metiers.php?rub=actualites-135-

The standard formats of windows, front doors, garage doors, utility doors, shutters, garden gates,
Decking and other garden products (exterior) and staircases, interior doors, parquet, cupboard doors,
kitchen and bathroom furniture and accessories, are described in manufacturers’ and stockists’catalogues and web-sites.

Quality
Industrial Wood Joinery is available in a range of qualities; the bulk of the market is a price-orientatedclientele, looking for a performance-guaranteed (« NF ») product carrying the 10-year building
guarantee, at the lowest possible price – « Premier prix », or as window manufacturers have been
known to call it: « a product to fill a hole in the wall ».
Up-market products, characterized by a superior finish and more attractive accessories are sold atpremium prices compared with the « premier prix » products.

SpeciesSpecies selection represents one of the most important ingredients in the quality image of the joinery
product.
Traditionally, Oak has been and remains today the classic up-market joinery – and furniture – product.
Other « noble » species, as perceived by the up-market clients, are species such as Teak, Doussie andMerbau.
Perceived as superior species particularly in Western France, are Movingui, Moabi, Sipo, andPalapi/Mengkulang. The technical characteristics of these species are well suited for the climaticconditions of Western France. In Southern France, Niangon is the preferred species, again for climatic
reasons.
Of species used for standard joinery products, the leading species in France today is Tauari, usedmainly for windows, front doors, and staircases. Dark Red Meranti is a popular all-purpose joineryand moulding species. However, supply is becoming scarcer, the price has increased, and ocean
freight has doubled.
A range of other species are imported for joinery:- Africa: Sapeli, Tiama, Douka, Kotibe, framire, and bosse.
- Asia: white seraya, nyatoh, and kapur.
- South America: curupixa, jatoba, and pau amarello.
For outdoor structural/other use: Iroko, Azobe, Tatajuba, Ipe.
For Decking: Selangan Batu and Ipé are the main species, but a host of other heavy hardwoods arebeing employed and tested for suitability to meet the increasing demand worldwide. Amongst these
species:Badi, Mukulungu, Massaranduba, Cumaru.
For interior doors, and other interior use, the main species are:wawa, samba, ayous, frake, limba, okoumé, marupa.

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Shipping and Conditioning:
Secondary processed wood products, practically all off of which have been kiln-dried, and need
protection both against humidity, against shocks, and against exposition to strong sun, are shipped incontainers.
Decking, Air-dried, is shipped either in containers or in crates by break-bulk.
Generally, there are less and less break-bulk shipping opportunities for timber products anywhere in
the world, Container shipment is becoming the norm.

Environment
The development of downstream manufacturing in the countries of origin, is intended to create not
only employment, value adding, and industrialization in the countries of the developing world, butalso represents an environmental initiative.
Producing the finished or semi-finished products from the log allows the manufacturers in the tropicalcountries to improve their recovery.
The increasing cost of ocean transport is much better supported by one m3 value-added product thanthe 3 m3 industrial roundwood which it takes to manufacture the one m3 joinery components.
The NGO Environmental groups are advocating that the tropical timber be transformed into SPWP
and finished products in the countries of origin.
Teak Garden furniture has received a great deal of attention from environmental groups, which has
had its impact on the public, not least in connection with the media attention to the political situation
in Myanmar (Burma).
The majority of imported garden furniture now carries certification labels.
Other imported joinery and SPWP made from tropical timber, attract much less attention than the teakfurniture, at this time.
Distributors expect that NGO Environmental groups will strive to create focus on all SPWP madefrom tropical timber, with a view to stimulating certification of all forests, in due course.

France: Builders Joinery - Production made from tropical timber
SNFMI (14/02/2005 : « Données Chiffrées 2004 sur le marché de la menuiserie industrielle »),evaluates the 2004 industrial joinery market as follows :Products :
x
x
x
x
x

Windows and French Windows
Solid wooden doors – exterior and interior
Flush Doors
Utility doors
Staircases

Builders Joinery Manufacturers
100 Industrial Joinery manufacturers.

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Builders Joinery Market share by joinery manufacturing groupsxxxStandardized Industrial manufacturers – 85%
Semi-industrilized manufacturers – 9%
Cratsmen/Artisans – 6%

Turnover – 1.2 Billion Euro – 5% higher than 2003.

Production in volume of Wood Joineryx

Windows & French Windows – total estimated at 10 .5 million units.
Estimated market shares
Wood – 17%
Aluminium & Wood – 3%
Aluminium – 15%
PVC – 65%.

Figure 2.6.1: Windows and French Windows, Market share by raw material

17%

3%

Wood

17 %

Aluminium & Wood

15%Aluminium
PVC

65%

x

Wood Front Doors – 315,000 unitsxInterior solid wood doors – 940,000 unitsxInterior flush wood doors – 8.6 million units.

x

Wood Staircases – 240,000 units.

Joinery - Wood consumption
850,000 m3 Roundwood Equivalent (RWE) of which:x

Oak and domestic softwood – 295,000 m3 R.E. – 35%x

Imported softwood – 85,000 m3 R.E. – 10%x

Tropical timber – 470,000 m3 R.E. – 55%

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3%

15 %
65 %

Figure 2.6.2: Joinery made from Wood, market share by origin of timber.

10%

Imported softwood

10 %Oak and domestic
softwood

35 %Tropical timber

55%

55 %

35%

Type of Sale / Sales Outlet
x Builders Merchants – 47%
x D-I-Y, Specialty Markets, Hypermarkets/other chains – 28%
x Direct Sales – 25%

Figure 2.6.3: Joinery Sales, by type of sale/type of outlet

Builders Merchants

47 %

28%

47%

Direct Sales

25 %D-I-Y, Specialty
Markets,
28 %Hypermarkets/otherchains25%

Trends2004 saw 363,000 new housing starts, 16% more than in 2003, the best level of activity in 20 years.
During 2004, construction permits were issued for 460,000 housing units, 22% more than in 2003.
On the strength of these factors, SNFMI forecasts continued positive development in the homebuilding sector thus continued good level of activity for the joinery manufacturers.
Most of the joinery manufacturers are enjoying a good level of activity. One exception is the wood
window manufacturers, who continue to suffer falling market share compared with PVC windows.
Again this year, there have been bankruptcies amongst the wood window manufacturers.
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Decking

Market Survey
Le Commerce du Bois presented at their Annual General Assembly 17/6/2005 their« Etude de marché sur les terrasses bois en France », making the following estimates of the decking
market:x

Estimated exterior surface covered yearly – all materials – 40 million m2.

x

Wood Decking laid down 2004: 6.5 million m2 – Wood decking market share of exterior
surface cover – 16%.

x

Deck Layers (profession like Tile Layers) laid down 4.8 million m2 wood decks in 2004.

An additional 1.7 million m2 wood decks were laid down by D-I-Yourselfers etc.
The Wood Decking market is estimated to consume
250,000 m3 sawnwood annually, of which Tropical wood 28% - 70,000 m3 sawnwood(This is 125,000 m3 roundwood equivalent representing 10% of France’s total import of tropicalsawlogs and sawnwood.)
Non-tropical wood – 72% - 180,000 m3 sawnwood.
The volume import of Decking into France commenced with Indonesian Bangkirai also called
Selangan Batu. Today, Brazilian Ipé is the most popular species for Decking.

Tropical Decking: a success story
The success story of Tropical Decking is a good example of the opportunities existing for tropîcal
timber when competent product development is combined with professional marketing in a dedicatedengagement.
Tropical timber deck costs, laid down by a professional deck layer several times the cost of the
traditional ceramic tile.
The tropical wood decking presents a number of disadvantages compared with the ceramic tile:

Cultural barrier
Several thousand years of Mediterranean tradition favours the ceramic tile. Wood for exterior use wasconsidered unsuitable, low quality.
x The wood deck will last shorter time than the ceramic tile.
x Maintenance and cleaning of the wood deck is much more difficult and time-consuming thanof the ceramic tile.
x You don’t get splinters in your foot from ceramic tiles.
x Ceramic tiles don’t twist, split, nor move as the climatic conditions change.
Yet, Decking made from tropical timber is a roaring success.
Why?

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Figure 2.6.4 Decking

Photo presented by Indubois.

Tropical hardwood Decking is promoted as one of the up-market products for outdoor life featured on
the cover of fashionable magazines.
The availability of quality raw material from the tropical forests will not increase in the future.
In order that this scarce raw material be directed towards those products which provide the best return,the importing industrials and distributors in Europe have to work in close collaboration with thetropical timber producers in Africa, Asia, and South America.

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2.7

Mouldings

France: Trade balance deterioriating.
France imports mouldings annually for about 100 million Euro, and exports mouldings for a value ofabout 43 million Euro53. Import of mouldings from ITTO producer countries in 2002 totalled 12.8
million Euro, or 14% of the total import of mouldings. The vast majority of mouldings are produced
domestically from domestic timbers.
Institutions related to Mouldings

EuropeUCBD = Union pour le Commerce de Bois Durs dans l’U.E.= European Hardwood Trade Federation
UCBD is an alliance of the national federations of tropical and temperate hardwood importers in theEuropean Union.

France
LCB, Le Commerce du Bois.

Terminology and Nomenclature
The product nomenclature is based on the Harmonised System, and provides a classification according
to trade.
x 44 09 20 11 mouldings, beadings, of wood, for frames of paintings, photos, mirrors and similar,

non-coniferous.
x 44 09 20 98 Wood continuously shaped, tongued and grooved, rebated, chamfered, V-jointed,

beaded, moulded, rounded or the like, along any of its edges, ends or faces, whether or notplaned, sanded or end-jointed, non-coniferous.

Tariffs
The tariffs applied in France are the EU tariffs as specified by TARIC (Integrated Tariff of theEuropean Communities) 54
Table 2.7.1
EU Customs Tariff for Imported MouldingsCode%
44 09 20 11 and 44 09 20 98

0Specifications
General moulding specifications
The term “mouldings” covers in this report, the same nomenclature references as the ITTO, ECE, and
FAO statistics.
“Mouldings” thus consist of 44 09 20 11 and 44 09 20 98 as described above

53

Source : Agreste Conjoncture – Commerce Extérier du Bois et dérivés, Données du 4eme trimestre
2004
54
TARIC: http://europa.eu.int/comm/taxation_customs/dds/en/home.htm-142-

Species
The leading species is European softwood, mainly French domestic, and imported Scandinavian,Russian, German, and other North and East European softwoods.
France manufacturers the bulk of its own moulding needs, both from French domestic forests, andfrom imported softwoods.
Imported softwood mouldings from Europe and Russia represent the next biggest portion of theconsumption.
The softwood whitewood mouldings are dominating the building trade, for standard construction
mouldings.
For redwood mouldings, domestic maritime pine is used where the inherent straightness is of lessimportance, for instance where the moulding is nailed, glued or otherwise fixed to the wall.
Where inherent straightness and stability is required, imported Scandinavian and Russian softwood ispreferred.
Imported mouldings made from tropical wood, are used mainly for the following categories ofmouldings:xxxx

Construction mouldings of such small dimensions that softwood with knots cannot be used.
Appearance quality mouldings for such use where knots are not acceptable.
Mouldings for picture frames and similar
Dowels for curtain rods and similar applications.

The dominating hardwood species is West African Triplochiton spp., calledx Wawa in Ghana
x Samba in Ivory Coastx Ayous in the Congo Basin.

This lightweight, light-colour hardwood is very stable, easy to work, finishes well to any colour.
The price has increased, however, there is no easy substitute found.
Brazilian Marupa has a small market share for certain end-uses.
The preferred moulding species in Europe for decades, was Ramin – now a CITES-group species.
“Mouldings” is a broad term, both in the vernacular, as well as in the nomenclature definition. There is
an important volume of “mouldings” which could justifiably be included in the “builders joinery”
category.
The nomenclature categorizes “coniferous” and “non-coniferous”, however, does not identify“tropical”. As such, reliable statistics are not available for “tropical” mouldings, particularly not thosemanufactured in France from tropical timber species.
As to imported “mouldings”, the authors have assumed that mouldings imports from tropicalcountries, are made of tropical wood (although Brazil may also supply softwood mouldings). The
authors also assume that the mouldings imported from China are tropical hardwood mouldings –although there could also be temperate hardwood and softwood mouldings.
Mouldings being such a broad definition, and used for such a variety of end-uses, the number of
species used is almost endless:
The most popular are:European softwood
Redwoodsx maritime pine,x Douglas fir-143-

x Scots pine,
x Corsican pine,x Black pinex Aleppo pine
x European Larch

Whitewoods
x Norway Sprucex Silver fir

French hardwoods
x White Oak
x Beechx Chestnutx Ash
x Birchx Alderx Aspenx Willow
Tropical hardwoods
AfricaWhitewoods
x
x
x
x
x
x
x

Ayous/wawa/samba/obeche
FramireFrake
Limba
IlombaChenchen
Abura

Redwoods (incl. Yellow)
x
x
x
x
x
x
x

Sipo
Acajou,Niangon
Sapeli
Bosse
OkoumeIroko

Asia
Whitewoods
x
x
x
x
x
x

Ramin (extremely rare – Cites spp)
White meranti/white seraya/white lauan
Pulai
Sesendok
Jelutong
Rubberwood

Redwoodsxx

Red meranti/seraya/lauan
Geronggang
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x
x
x
x
x

Bintangor
NyatohMengkulang/palapi
DurianTeakSouth American
Whitewoods
x
x
x
x
x
x
x

MarupaAmapa
Para-para
SumaumaTauari
VirolaGuatambu

Redwoods (incl.yellow woods)
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x

Cedro (rare)
JabotyCurupixa
Louro Vermelho
Goiabao
JatobaQuaruba
Pau Amarello
Tatajuba

Environment
Mouldings usually enter into the construction as a modest, often anonymous building material.
Mouldings at times play a decorative role, but are more often ignored. Mouldings, generally, do not
attract the attention of the user, the distributor, nor the environment NGO’s.

Certification
Therefore, manufacturers or distributors are not feeling concern about certification of mouldings in thesame way as for instance, for garden furniture. Certain big distribution groups insist on certified“mouldings”. At this time, since there is no regular supply of certified tropical hardwood mouldings,
these distributors have not established a specific market for these products. When a parcel of certified
sawn timber is proposed to the moulding manufacturer, at a premium, the moulding manufacturer,
who does not have a regular production of certified tropical hardwood mouldings, therefore cannot
recover the premium price for his finished product.
The day certified tropical hardwood mouldings become the norm, the manufacturers will buy certified
tropical timber, and pay a – reasonable – premium for it. Manufacturers in different categories of themoulding trade have different opinions as regards certification, as reported under “Factors influencing
the competitiveness of tropical timber” and “Tropical moulding consumption: trends, perception, andviews”.

Moulding production

France: Mouldings production
The French production of mouldings is estimated at 8.5 million linear meters. There are no volume orvalue statistics of the “moulding” production that would be relevant to this report.
-145-

Moulding Imports and exports

Europe Moulding Imports and exports (All species)
Figure 2.7.1 Mouldings for frames, non-coniferous 44092011
2Million
00
EUR

15 0
EU 2 5M o ul d ing s f o r f r ames
4 4 0 9 2 0 11

10 0
Source Eurost at

50

Imports

Exports

0
2002

2003

2004

Figure 2.7.2 Other profiled wood, non-coniferous, 44092098
500

M i l l i o n Eu r oSource Eurostat
400

Imports

300
Exports200
EU 25
Other Profiled Wood
non-coniferous
44092098

100
0
2002

2003

2004

France: Tropical Mouldings Imports
Figure 2.7.3
30

Million Euro

25

FranceImports of Mouldings
from tropical countries

20
15
10
Source: French Customs / Desclos, Pedersen

5
2002

2003

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2004

Table 2.7.2
FranceImports of Mouldings
from tropical countries
Million Euro
44092011 (Frames) +44092098 (Other)
2002
2003
Brazil2
6
Indonesia
34Myanmar
0.1
0.1
Malaysia
0.3
0.7

2004
18
3
1
0.6

Others

3

4

4

Total

9

14

26

Data source : French Customs / Desclos Pedersen

Table 2.7.3
Mouldings from tropical countries
France Imports
Million Euro….

44092011
frames44092098 Other
profiled Wood

2002

2003

2004

1.4

1.5

1.7

8

13

24

Data source : French Customs / Desclos Pedersen
Figure 2.7.4
30

Million Euro

25

FranceImports of Mouldings
from tropical countries

20
15
10
5

So ur ce: F r ench C ust o ms / D esclo s,

In

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al
to
t

Br
a
do ziln
M e si
ya a
nm
M
ar
al
ay
si
a
ot
he
rs

0

End Uses and Market Drivers
The over-all most important driver is the health of the economy and the consumer’s desire to invest
and spend.
The consumption of construction mouldings that are part of the non-aesthetical part of the construction
is driven by the same factors as those identified for joinery in Chapter 2.7
The mouldings that are apparent and form part of the visual landscape, be it of the home, the office,the boutique, hotel, restaurant or other, become subject to the fashion governing the “decor”.
“Decor fashion” influences the “look”, the aesthetic appearance, its shape, colour, etc.
“Decor fahion” therefore also influences the choice of material, wood, metal, PVC, glass, ceramictiles, stone or other building material.
x Construction Mouldings
Depend on the level of activity in the building sector, mainly new construction, and renovation
to a lesser extent. The drivers influencing this market are essentially the same as those
influencing the market for joinery described in 2. 7
x Appearance quality mouldings

This type of mouldings is strongly related to the construction market, and to the renovation
sector. Fashion is more of a driver in this market than for pure construction mouldings.
x Mouldings for picture frames and similar. Fashion is a major driver for the up-market

segment, price for the bulk market.
x Dowels for curtain rods.

Construction and renovation are drivers; fashion even more so. In recent years fashion has
driven the consumer toward metal curtain rods.

Competition
From other Wood Products:xxxx

Softwood
Temperate Hardwoods
Sheet materials
MDF and similar low-cost base covered by paper or veneer-wrapped.

From other Materials:
x PVC and other synthetics
x Metalx Ceramics, glass

Non-tariff barriers: None
Factors affecting the competitiveness of mouldings made from tropical timber:
x
x
x
x
x

Regularity of supply
Regularity of quality
Competitive pricing
In due course, certification
Strategic alliances to influence fashion-148-

Tropical moulding consumption: trends, perceptions, and views:
The consumption of tropical mouldings, in terms of market share, has declined over the last two
decades, from the time when ramin and ayous/wawa/samba mouldings dominated the whitewood
moulding trade, and the merantis/sipo/lauan etc. dominated the redwood moulding market.
Prices for tropical timber have increased substantially during this period whilst softwood prices havedeclined over the last decade.
French manufacturers and distributors of mouldings express concern about insufficient availability ofsuitable, competitive tropical sawnwood and semi-finished, as well as finished tropical mouldings.
The import of finished tropical-wood mouldings has increased over the last few years, as seen above,
however the moulding manufacturers and distributors consider that the French moulding market offers
further potential for suppliers of tropical moulding material, be it in the form of sawnwood, dimension
stock, or finished products.
Softwood is available “certified”, tropical hardwood is not yet. The moulding trade is concerned about
the lack of regular competitive supply of tropical hardwood, and concerned about the lack ofavailability of certified timber. At this time, a number of moulding manufacturers in France have tomanufacture their mouldings from other raw materials, whereas they have a preference for tropical
hardwoods.
The up-market portion of the moulding market, which is affected by fashion, is economically moreinteresting than the common construction moulding. The natural characteristics of many tropicaltimber species lend themselves particularly well to a fashion-orientated market.
This up-market part of the moulding market offers opportunities to ITTO producers to develop better
paying “niche” products, than the common construction moulding market.

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2.8

ParquetFrance: Tropical hardwood market share keeps growing.
The European parquet market is growing at an annual rate of 5% per year, which is also the growthrate in France.
In the European parquet market, 2003 statistics show a total annual consumption in the 12 member
countries of the European Federation of the Parquet Industry (FEP), of 84 million square meters (m2).
The corresponding production in these 12 countries totals 66 million m2.
18 million m2 are imported, the main importers are Germany, Spain, and Italy, followed by Belgium,
Switzerland, France, and Holland.
The Nordic countries are net exporters, Sweden is the leading European producer with 15 million m2,
and exporter of 10 million m2.
Oak is the dominating species. Tropical hardwood is gaining market share, now representing 20 –25% of the total market (estimates vary). The rate of consumption is growing faster than the rate ofproduction, imports are increasing.
The outlook is for continued growth of consumption, and for tropical timber to take an increasing partof the market, as well as for finished parquet import to continue increasing.

Institutions related to parquet

EuropeF.E.P. The Federation of the European Parquet Industry.
F.E.P represents its 12 member countries: Germany, Spain, France, Italy, Netherlands Denmark,Finland, Norway, Sweden, Austria, Belgium, and Switzerland. F.E.P. now also reports on production
from the Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland and Romania.

Francexxx
x

U.F.F.E.P. The Union of French Parquet Manufacturers and Entrepreneurs.
C.T.B.A. – Centre Technique de Bois et d’ameublement
F.I.B.C. – Industrie Bois de Construction.
LCB = Le Commerce du Bois = The French Timber Trade Federation
LCB reports on all commercial activity in timber. LCB has a parquet committee, andinformation on parquet is reported in its monthly magazine “Commerce International du Bois”.

Terminology
FEP defines parquet as: “Parquet is the term used for all floor covering in wood or made from a woodbase the surface thickness of which must be minimum 2.5MM ”.
The parquet is divided intox solidx lamparquet
x mosaicx multilayer
Nomenclature: HS
The product nomenclature is based on the Harmonized System, and provides a classification according
to trade.

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Parquet belongs in the 44. Nomenclaturexxx

44 07 91 31
44 09 20 91
44 09 20 98

and 44.18 Wood Panels for Parquetsxxx

44 18 30 10 mosaic parquets
44 18 30 91 composed of several layers of wood
44 18 30 99 others

Tariffs
The tariffs applied in France are the EU tariffs as specified by TARIC (Integrated Tariff of theEuropean Communities) 55

Table 2.8.1
EU Customs Tariff for Imported Parquet
Parquet Code%44 07 91 31,
44 09 20 91, 44 09 20 98
44 18 30 91, 44 18 30 99

0

44 18 30 10

3Standards

European Standards
CEN
CEN = European Standards Committee
The task of CEN 56 is to develop European Standards (ENs), which are defined as “a set of technicalspecifications established in collaboration with and with the approval of the parties concerned in thevarious member countries of CEN”. CEN delegates the actual work to the Technical Committees (TC)
These Technical Committees consist of Working Groups (WG) that prepare the draft ENs.
The latest European standards related to parquet cover:
x
x
x
x
x
x

EN 13226: Solid parquet elements with grooves and/or tongues,
EN 13227: Solid lamparquet products,
EN 13228: Solid wood overlay flooring elements including an interlocking system,
EN 13448: Mosaic parquet elements,
EN 13489: Multilayer parquet elements,
EN 13629: Solid pre-assembled hardwood boards,

French Standards
NF= “Norme Française” = French Standard

55
56

TARIC: http://europa.eu.int/comm/taxation_customs/dds/en/home.htm
CEN: http://www.cenorm.be-151-

As soon as a European Standard, EN is translated and inserted in the French set of regulations, its
name becomes NF EN
The main French standards for parquet:xxxx

NF B 54-000 – Solid parquet manufacturing characteristics
NF B 54-008 – Manufacturing and grading of mosaic parquet
NF B 54-010 – Manufacturing and grading of parquet other than mosaic
NF B 54-011 - Manufacturing and grading of multilayer parquet hardwood faced

CTBA publishes several periodical updates on standards. 57
Application standards (DTU) 51.1 / 2 /3 cover the laying down of parquet.

Specifications
xThicknessx- Solid – standard thicknesses : 8 - 10 -12 – 15 – 21 – 23 mm- Mosaic/Lamparquet/Multilayer 7 - 9 – 14 18mm, most common 14mm
Width

x

50 – 60 – 70 – 75 – 80 – 90 –120 – 125 – 130 – 140 – 180 mm
Lengths- 400 – 1200mm- 1030 – 1190mm- 1050 – 1200mm- 1190mm- 20000mm

Packing
In retail packs containing 1 – 2 m2 ready to be delivered direct from the factory to the retailer/enduser.

Species
Oak has been the dominant parquet species on the European market, and still represents over 65%
today. This is, however, down from more than 75% a few years ago.
A host of other temperate hardwoods are used, beech, chestnut, cherry, ash, maple, to name but a few.
Of tropical timber species, the most popular are :
x
x
x
x
x
x

teak
merbaudoussiejatobawenge
iroko

Bamboo is also making inroads.
Other species on the market are- South Americaxx
57

CumaruSucupira

http://217.174.207.71/~ctba/1_le_group/metiers.php?rub=actualites
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x
x
x
x
x

AngeliqueCabreuva
Pau Amarello
Tatajuba
Amarante- Africa
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x

PadoukSapeli
Bubinga
BilingaMovingui
Tali
Okan
Ovengkol
Mutenié
Amazakoué
Afrormosia
Moabi
Douka

- Asia
x
x
x
x
x

Balau
KempasMengkulang
NyatohPadoukThe cost of launching a new species/product is minimum 70,000 Euro.

Logistics
Logistics represent an important parameter of competition, the leading producers now deliver 10 m2
anywhere in France within 48 hours.

Environment
Wood parquet is an environmentally friendly building material. This is one of the reasons this floor
cover is gaining market share around the world. Carpets, the floor cover leader for decades, issuspected of creating conditions favourable for certain persons to develop allergies (“acarid”).

Certification
A number of distributors are demanding certified parquet. Suppliers of Oak and other temperate
hardwood parquet can supply certified products. However, there is insufficient and only irregularsupply of tropical timber in the popular species for the manufacturers to be able to market “certified”
tropical timber parquet on a regular basis. Once there is a regular supply in sufficient volume ofcertified tropical timber to satisfy the demand of the parquet anufacturers, the manufacturers expect tobe able to secure a reasonable premium for such products. The manufacturers cannot obtain such a
premium today, because they cannot establish a market for the product, so long as there is no supply.
Although certified oak parquet does not obtain a premium as such, it is an appeal to a certain clientele.
For parquet made from popular tropical species, the manufacturers expect nonetheless, to be able toobtain a premium in due course for certified parquet – provided it is a level playing field.

-153-

Parquet production

Europe: Parquet Production vs. Consumption
Figure 2.8.1
9080EuropeParquetMillion m2
Production

Consumption

70
60
50
40
30
20
10

Source FEP0
93 94 95 96 97 98 99 00 01 02 03

Consumption continues growing, production is stagnating.
Figure 2.8.2
Parquet production 2003
% of FEP countries

Dk/No/Fin
15%

SE
22%

AT
9%

BE
1%
CH
3%

NL
3%
IT
9%
FR
11%

ES
11%

DE
16%

Total Production 65,8 Million m2
Source FEP-154-

Figure 2.8.3
Europe (FEP Members)
Parquet production per types 2003
Source FEP

Multilayer
74%

Mosaic5%Lamparquet
5%

Solid
16%

Figure 2.8.4
60Europe (FEP Members)
Parquet production/typeMillion m2
Mosaic50

Lamparquet

Solid

Multilayer

Source FEP

40

30

20

10

0
93

94

95

96

97

98

99

00

01

France : Parquet Production
Figure 2.8.5

8.0
7.5

Million m2

FranceParquet Production

7.0
6.5
6.0
5.5
Source FEP

5.0
98 99 00 01 02 03

-155-

02

03

France : Tropical parquet production
Tropical parquet production trends
The European parquet manufacturers are facing price competition from a number of low-cost
producing countries. Those surviving are all avant-garde in terms ofxxxx

Finishing (varnishing)
Production techniques including precision machining
Product design and innovation, e.g. “clips”
FashionTropical hardwood flooring is increasing its market share, from a few percent only a few years ago,
tropical timber parquet is now estimated to have a 20 – 25% market share, and growing.
The inherent characteristics of the popular tropical species, technical properties combined withaesthetic appeal of colour and grain structure, are the factors behind the increase in demand.

Parquet Imports

Europe: Parquet Imports (All types)
The main FEP European importers of parquet are Germany, Spain, and Italy.
Exports

Europe: Parquet Exports (All types)
Europe: Parquet Export
Figure 2.8.6
40

Million m2

Europe (FEP Members)
Parquet panels
Extra EU Imports & Exports

30

Imports

20

10

Exports
Source FEP

0
96

97

98

99

00

01

02

03

France: Tropical parquet export trends.
ITTO producer countries are increasing exporters of tropical parquet to the world market. Other
parquet producer countries such as China and Poland are increasing production and export, of tropicalas well as of temperate parquet. Price-wise, these producers – particularly in China, are the best placedon the market.. French manufacturers express optimism about the future of the parquet market ingeneral, and tropical parquet in particular. Asked how they can compete with the cheaper supply froma number of other countries, they suggest there are niches in respect of quality, product innovation,and being technically advanced in all aspects of production, finishing and presentation,
The “clip” system used for laying down floating parquets requires a very fine tolerance of machining,straightness, and condition in general. Manufacturers express tolerances in 1/100ths of mm.
-156-

Parquet Consumption
Trends in consumption:

General:Apart from the strong growth in consumption of parquet in the private home, more and more shops,
restaurants, hotels, convention centers, airports, etc. now employ parquet as an essential element of the“décor”. In environments of essentially white non-descript walls, the colour - the entire decorative
effect - comes from the parquet.
One market segment which is on the increase is the “natural finish”, i.e. wood parquet that allows
natural defects such as knots.

Europe: Parquet Consumption (All types)
Figure 2.8.7
Parquet consumption 2003
% of FEP countries
Total consumption 84,2 Million m2

Dk/No/Fin
10%
NL
4%

AT
6%

SE
6%

BE CH
4% 5%

IT
15%

DE
22%
ES
17%

FR
11%

Source FEP

Figure 2.8.8

Europe (FEP Members)
Production vs Consumption 2003
20

Million m2

15
10
5
0
-5

IT
K/
FI NL
N/
NO
SE
D

FR

A
T
B
E
C
H
D
E
ES

-10

Production
Difference

Consumption-157-

Suppliers of parquet are providing the client with an entirely finished product, easy to lay-down.
Previously, parquet was supplied with little or no finish. The professional parquet layer would laydown the parquet, sand it and finish it, at high cost. Today the factories supply the parquet with thefinish the client demands, as regards colour, shade, and surface finishing – as many as 8 layers ofvarnish. All factories propose easy installation techniques, allowing the Do-It-Yourselfer to lay-down
the parquet himself.

Solid
The consumption of solid parquet is increasing, as imported solid parquet arrives at competitive prices,thus the distributors and retailers are promoting “solid” as a superior product, creating an image of
tradition, quality, solidity, long-wear, “the real thing” compared to multi-layer parquets. This image ofthe solid parquet helps the tropical producers of solid parquet develop their volume of sales in France.
Solid tropical parquet is now one of the fastest growing parquet products. The quality image of solid
parquet also affects the demand from a certain – high-end of the market - clientele, as regards solid
parquet made from temperate timber.
Traditional (“bourgeois”) homes and apartments, for instance, with old wood flooring, will replacesuch flooring with solid parquet – not with multilayer. Another interesting development in the parquet
market is the “wet room” parquet market. For bathrooms, saunas, etc. the most popular species are
Teak and Iroko.

Multilayer:
Sales are progressing for this parquet product which is, technically, the superior flooring for a numberof end-uses, and which is the “modern” choice. Today upwards of 40% of the multiplayer parquet soldis with “clic” installation technique, i.e. no glue, easy installation. (“If it does not fit, dismantle it, anddo it again.”). The D-I-Y retailers are increasing their share of the parquet market. Fashion goes
towards wider parquet. The wider and longer the parquet, the higher the price. The main market forparquet remains the living room. Living room sizes are on the increase, wider rooms call for wider
parquet.

Markets / End Uses
The main market for parquet, both tropical and non-tropical, is the private home, new construction as
well as renovation. Offices, shops, hotels and restaurants, convention centers, airports, etc. represent
other important markets for parquet.

Market Drivers
Hygiene plays a major role when carpets are replaced by parquet, particularly in the private homes
with children. Fashion is a major driver. Shorter working hours, thus more spare time gives the Do-ItYourselfers more opportunity for home improvement. The easy-to-lay-down clic floating parquet
lends itself to this trend.

Competition:

From Other Wood Products
Softwood parquet, mainly made from maritime pine in the Landes region, is losing market share.
Although the price is very competitive compared with hardwood parquet, the traditional Frenchpreference for hardwoods plays its part in this respect. Parquet manufacturers in Les Landes, havebeen oversupplying the French market with pine products, including lower quality products at very
low prices, giving the “Pine” products as such a low image.

-158-

Figure 2.8.9
EuropeFlooring Products Market Shares 2003
(according to Intercontuft)

Vinyl
11%

Stone
ceramics
24%

Laminate
flooring
11%

Rubber
1%
Wood Linoleum
5%
2%
Cork
1%

Source FEP

Textile45%

From Other materials
Figure 2.8.9 shows the European market for flooring products, by materials groups:
Textile = carpets, still represents 45% of the market, this is the market which is losing market
share to hardwood parquet.
Stone/ceramics – 24% of the market - is seeing rapid product development as tile manufacturers
from Italy, Spain, and now also lower-cost producers, are competing for market share. Productquality and design is driving the tile market forward.
Linoleum represents 2% of the market, a fading appeal.
Rubber 1% of the market
Cork 1% of the market.
Vinyl – 11% of the market – is used for industrial use, whereas it is losing out in the private
home sector.

x
x

x
x
x
x

Laminate flooring has grown to 11% of the market, and is the most direct competitor to the lower endof the parquet market. One manufacturer however, sees the laminate floor as an ally in those cases
where the consumer who has a laminate floor wants “the real” thing, and changes “up” to real
hardwood flooring as soon as he can afford it.

Factors affecting competitiveness of tropical timber in the parquet market.
xx
xx

Quality
Regularity of supply
FashionPrice

Price is of relatively lower importance than quality, regularity of supply, and fashion. In multilayerparquet, the typical 2.5mm tropical timber face represents only 18% of the total 14mm wood volume.
The cost of manufacturing, merchandising, marketing, promotion and logistics each represent an
important share of the total cost price of the final product.
Once certified tropical parquet becomes available in sufficient volume for a manufacturer and/or
distributor to be able to market on a regular basis “certified tropical species parquet”, the trade expects
that this will become the standard which other manufacturers and distributors will have to follow.

-159-

Tropical Parquet Consumption: Trends, perception and views
Competition is intense in the parquet market, on all levels
x
x
x
x
x
x

between manufacturers of temperate hardwood parquet
between manufacturers of tropical hardwood parquet
between temperate and tropical parquet
between importers
between distributors
between retailers.

Product development, quality, and design, are all benefiting from this competition. The developmentof “clic” systems facilitates the laying down of floating parquet.
As seen in the European production statistics above, some European manufacturers are finding it very
difficult to survive in this intense competition. The dynamic and competent groups who ensure quality,
product development, and who are strong in creating fashions which please the public, are convinced
they have a bright future ahead of them.
Tropical timber use is increasing in the parquet market. The perception as to the future of tropicaltimber in the parquet market is practically unanimous: tropical timber can continue to grow in market
share, provided the supply of the popular species is ensured in the specifications and quality required.
The clients can pay an attractive price for such products.
The day certification becomes a must, it is imperative that sufficient supply be ensured.
The parquet manufacturer will be able to absorb a – reasonable – cost increase for certified tropicaltimber.
As the cost of introducing a new species is very high, at least 70,000 Euro, it is imperative that
manufacturers, distributors, and retailers work together in a close collaboration in an environment ofmutual confidence

-160-

2.9

Other SPWP58

Other SPWP – a very mixed group of products – imports of 450 million Euro annually“Other Secondary Processed Wood Products” represent a very mixed group of products, both artisan’swares and industrially or semi-industrially manufactured products.
France’s annual imports total some 450 million Euro, of which only some 35 million Euro’s worth arebought from ITTO producer countries. Some of the product groups offer scope for ITTO producers toincrease sales to France.

Tariffs
The tariffs applied in France are the EU tariffs as specified by TARICTARIC = Integrated Tariff of the European Communities 59
The following tables and Figures show the import into France from each country of origin, of eachproduct group, stated by nomenclature definition, expressed in Euro, for the years 2002, 2003 and2004.
Nomenclature 44.14. “Wooden frames for paintings etc.”Wooden frames for paintings,
photographs, mirrors or similar objects”

Tariffs
44 14 00 10 “Wooden frames …. - of tropical wood” - 2.5%
44 14 00 90 “ Wooden frames … - of other wood”- 0%.

Wooden frames fall into two main categories:
x bulk market, sold essentially on price, in super markets, etc
x specialty shops, up-market, the criteria are design and fashion more than price.

58

Secondary Processed Wood Products
59 TARIC: http://europa.eu.int/comm/taxation_customs/dds/en/home.htm-161-Table 2.9.1 : Wooden frames for paintings, photographs, mirrors or similar objects Of tropical wood,as specified in additional note 2 to this Chapter
Imports

EUR
2002
1679381167938192538016010716010750239
325346
77763

EU25_INTRA
EU15_INTRA
ITALY
EU15_EXTRA
EU25_EXTRA
CHINA (PEOPLE'S REPUBLIC OF)SPAIN
PORTUGALPOLANDBELGIUM (and LUXBG -> 1998)
NETHERLANDSGERMANY (incl DD from 1991)
INDIA
UNITED KINGDOMTHAILANDINDONESIA (ID+TP from 77,excl. TP ->2001)
VIET-NAM (excl. NORTH -> 1976)
PERU
OTHERS

18326
3761
306753
2346
21931
84484
8858

2003
1779396
1779396127974216903716903786330
67485
231091
:
54663
66943
75780
19687
3692
51314
10489
1217
:

9159
4187
2717
1849

5 845 299

5 655 369

14301

Trop

5 518 464

4414 00 10
200414064111333350
890143551773478712436323204363125248
73061
46938
30514
25836
12545
10308
9842

Shows the import of “Wooden frames … of tropical wood”, as per 44 14 00 10, from all countries.
Table 2.9.2 : Wooden frames for paintings, photographs, mirrors or similar objects Of other wood
Imports

EUR

CHINA (PEOPLE'S REPUBLIC OF)
MOROCCOINDIA
THAILAND
VIET-NAM (excl. NORTH -> 1976)
INDONESIA (ID+TP from 77,excl. TP ->2001)
PHILIPPINES
MAURITIUS
MADAGASCARBRAZILOTHERS
Trop

20026261647
1479176
400029290928202861

2003
6061717143473933083235078812272144140090
2004
6267977
2102550481933479822134764118645
37621
8928
54115
1425
92159
8 947 534

88897
18097
9443
32872
9295
91168:
8 550 569

111691
91449
18136
11874
10622
11106
9 721 924shows the import of “Wooden frames.. of other wood” as per ‘’ 44 14 00 90, from tropical countries
and countries traditionally producing timber products made from tropical wood, for a total of almost
10 million Euro annually-162-

Table 2.9.3 : Wooden frames for paintings, photographs, mirrors or similar objects Of other wood
EU25_EXTRA
EU25_INTRA
EU15_EXTRA
EU15_INTRA

10539254
19895656
12328318
18106592

10167736
18448432
12139941
1647622712253838
21448953
14152816
19549975

77098286261647
397383128549661479176
178906429806210452544921741280037
400029290928769940202861890786

2003
6694992
606171730190733952694
1434739
1899815514450992654788071
93198133083235078844252412272154638744140090
2004
82986626267977447742544296442102550
184713612976881173614
99863476963248193347982239339413476411661711864557768288897
44383311169132160830 434 910
8947534
21 487 376

28 616 168
8550569
20 065 599

33 702 791
9721924
23 980 867

Imports

EUR

ITALY
CHINA (PEOPLE'S REPUBLIC OF)
BELGIUM (and LUXBG -> 1998)
SPAIN
MOROCCOPOLANDROMANIA
TUNISIANETHERLANDSGERMANY (incl DD from 1991)
INDIA
THAILAND
UNITED KINGDOMVIET-NAM (excl. NORTH -> 1976)
PORTUGALINDONESIA (ID+TP from 77,excl. TP ->2001)
OTHERS
total
trop
non tropshows the import of “wooden frames”.. of other woods” as per 44 14 00 90, from all countries.
It is interesting to note that out of a total import of almost 40 million Euro worth of “wooden frames.”
under nomenclature 44 14, only 6 million Euro worth are imported under 44 14 00 10 – “tropicalwood”, whilst 44 14 00 90 “wooden frames .. of other wood” represents some 35 million Euro – ofwhich 10 million Euro worth from tropical countries and countries usually producing mainly wood
products made from tropical wood.
There is scope for ITTO producers to take a larger share of this market, both the bulk market sold on
price, as well as the up-market fashion-guided market.

-163-

Figure 2.9.1

France Imports of 4414
Wooden frames
40
Million EUR

38
36
34
32
Source: Eurostat

30
2002

2003

2004

shows the development 2002 – 2003 – 2004 of the value of imports into France of frames.

Nomenclature 44 15: Packing cases, boxes, crates, drums and similar packings; ofwood, cable-drums or wood, pallets, box pallets and other load boards, of wood; palletcollars of wood.
Agreste in their 2000 “La forêt et les industries de bois” evaluate the French wood packaging industry
to represent 7% of the entire packaging industry. It is a dispersed sector, of artisanal stature and typeof operation, only 2 companies employ more than 250 persons.
10% of the companies have closed over the last decade; this is a low-margin activity with manybankruptcies.

Tariffs:
44 15 10 10: “Cases, boxes, crates, drums and similar packing, cable-drums” – 4%
44 15 10 90 “Cable drums” – 3%
44 15 20 20 “ Flat pallets, pallet collars” – 3%
44 15 20 90 “ .. – other” – 4%
By far the largest portion of this market is supplied by domestic manufacturers producing packaging
material from low-grade, low-priced softwood, a smaller portion made from low-quality, low-priced
hardwood.
The 100 million Euro a year market for imported packaging material of wood represents almost
entirely low-priced softwood or low-quality hardwood products supplied from neighbouring countries.
Provided the technical performance criteria are respected, the species and the appearance are of little
importance. The prices for these products are generally so low that they can support only very limited
transport cost. For this reason, this market offers only limited opportunity for ITTO producers.

-164-

Table 2.9.4 : Cases, boxes, crates, drums and similar packings; cable-drums
23554717
20349280
57708412565404

29370157
26233514
63131783176535

28777150
25865557
56043812692788

2002
7466175
27701612034272
14572812494063
19346921578077
190477845658166464715046
3344348

2003
11985866
341295425106091120808
2451975
19668562208117207594679047264641521850
33548244415102004
9529255
430114925252332406148
2386389
20700311306828
12958398769507449365309813496199

26 120 121

32 541 153

31 469 938

21845432743278856
3008

22757944298918007
23068

335966102031
82929
26710

33581
:
25943
2644
:
914
22105

11061
:
:
41128
:
:
45772:

20254
19482
18431
17842
10773
8392
10686

712 937
25 407 184

809 604
31 731 549

653 496
30 816 442

EU25_INTRA
EU15_INTRA
EU15_EXTRA
EU25_EXTRA

Imports

EUR

SPAIN
GERMANY (incl DD from 1991)
PORTUGALUNITED KINGDOMBELGIUM (and LUXBG -> 1998)
ITALY
NETHERLANDSHUNGARYTUNISIACZECH REPUBLIC (CS->1992)
AUSTRIAOTHERSCHINA (PEOPLE'S REPUBLIC OF)
VIET-NAM (excl. NORTH -> 1976)TOGO
BRAZIL
INDONESIA (ID+TP from 77,excl. TP ->
2001)
GHANA
INDIA
MOROCCOCUBA
THAILANDOTHERS
from trop countr
otherShows the import of “cases, boxes, crates, cable-drums etc.” under nomenclature 44 15 10-165-

Table 2.9.5 : Pallets, box pallets and other load boards; pallet collars
EU25_EXTRA
EU25_INTRA
EU15_INTRA
EU15_EXTRA

3 146 487
3 063 446
100 797 525 110 580 516
97 400 995 106 735 733
6 543 017
6 908 229

4 048 756
94 683 117
89 840 097
8 891 776

Imports
BELGIUM (and LUXBG -> 1998)
GERMANY (incl DD from 1991)
SPAIN

EUR
2 002
30 126 917
22 739 976
12 614 450

2 003
34 675 806
26 463 457
16 756 155

4415202 004
34 599 737
22 232 427
9 143 903

ITALY
NETHERLANDS

12 558 797
6 882 965

10 639 746
7 055 465

8 454 646
7 290 593

UNITED KINGDOMBELARUS (BELORUSSIA)PORTUGALPOLANDLATVIA
DENMARKSWEDENLITHUANIASWITZERLAND (incl. LI->1994)
LUXEMBOURGSLOVENIA
AUSTRIA
UNITED STATESCZECH REPUBLIC (CS->1992)
OTHERS

5 831 267
1 368 401
1 102 798
1 700 718
871 961
1 171 080
2 893 970
246 211789 057
221 674
158 632
210 120
189 036
379 063
1 824 176

2 444 331
1 583 299
4 823 786
1 650 710
1 260 815
1 310 186
1 657 105
629 853774 467
254 179
114 495
491 877
273 044
93 785655 236

2 541 180
2 297 671
2 071 607
1 959 971
1 270 242
1 236 446
1 204 324
1 162 762
844 074
677 984
307 960
295 450
269 602226 242616 109

103 881 269 113 598 161

98 702 930

CHINA (PEOPLE'S REPUBLIC OF)JAPANBRAZILOTHERS318 519
13 533:26 21226 652
1 100
1 522
25 63448 51239 09919 19421 009Trop358 264

54 908

127 814Shows the import of “pallets etc.” under nomenclature 44 15 20.

-166-

Figure 2.9.2
150

Million EUR

140FranceImports of (4415)
packaging cases, palletts

130

Source: Eurost at

120
2002

2003

2004

Shows the development of imports into France 2002 – 2003 – 2004, of wood packaging materials.
Nomenclature 44 16”Casks, barrels, vats, tubs and other coopers’ products and parts
thereof, of wood, including staves.

Tariff:
44 16 - 0%
France is one of the world’s major exporters of wine casks and staves for wine casks – from thehighest quality white oak available. Exports have doubled in volume, tripled in value in less than adecade.
Table 2.9.6 : Casks, barrels, vats, tubs and other coopers' products and parts thereof, of wood,
including staves
EU15_EXTRA
EU25_EXTRA
EU25_INTRA
EU15_INTRA

17816286
13014816
9208195
4406725

15211793
12961877
6559426430951011421919
102981814482033
3358295

Imports

EUR
2002885824525755533134000
901213236601734411672741157123527643
10432426132542003
90774362435541
14026857243431442549583285563377463336:39482024339314416
2004
76589642364335
1045740767441623064451006413329337267202821
18698972925822 223 011

19 521 303

14 780 214

UNITED STATESSPAINHUNGARYUKRAINE
ROMANIARUSSIAN FEDERATION (RUSSIA)PORTUGALLUXEMBOURGNEW ZEALANDGERMANY (incl DD from 1991)
OTHERS-167-

“Casks, barrels etc. “ imports total some 15 million Euro annually, out of which imports from tropicalcountries are negligeable.
The market for barrels and casks for ageing wine and spirits, is increasingly demanding high-quality
hardwoods with a high tanin content, today mainly oak, with a small consumption of “chataigner” =the true chestnut being used for certain purposes.
In this growth market, there is –to the best of the authors’ knowledge- currently no tropical hardwood
being used. It might be worthwhile to test a number of tropical hardwoods for their potential as wineand spirit-ageing agents.

Figure 2.9.3

25

Million EUR

20

15

FranceImports of (4416)
casks, barrels etc

Source: Eurostat

10
2002

2003

2004

Shows the import into France the last three years of wooden barrels and casks.
Nomenclature 44 17 “Tools, tool bodies, tool handles, broom or brush bodies andhandles, of wood; boot or shoe lasts and trees, of wood”

Tariff:0%-168-

Table 2.9.7 : Tools, tool bodies, tool handles, broom or brush bodies and handles, of wood; boot orshoe lasts and trees, of wood
715596470784113430953
3353400

6750103
660017133999323250000

6439569
63025023137491
3000424

2002
2097149
1352743
15994965973517716759978938027777686831424927

2003
2005974
14006721385687
66400889816291915464340848406915610864417
2004
23308771405502
11424638185206535246211195886324786161400740

10 509 364

10 000 103

9 439 993

EU25_INTRA
EU15_INTRA
EU15_EXTRA
EU25_EXTRA

Imports

EUR

PORTUGALGERMANY (incl DD from 1991)
BELGIUM (and LUXBG -> 1998)
BRAZILSWITZERLAND (incl. LI->1994)ITALY
SLOVENIASPAINOTHERS

2002
2003
2004
CHINA (PEOPLE'S REPUBLIC OF)
439611403697273518INDONESIA (ID+TP from 77,excl. TP ->92963
109032
85373
2001)
TAIWAN
71922
88710
53036
OTHERS
93486
24039
39025
trop countr
697 982625 478
450 952
Imports total 10 million Euro annually, out of which tropical countries and countries usually
manufacturing products from tropical timber, represent half a million Euro.
Most of the supply comes from Europe. As the cost of manufacturing in Europe keeps increasing,
there are undoubtedly opportunities for ITTO producers to increase their share in this market.

-169-

Nomenclature 44 19 Tableware and kitchenware of wood

Tariff:0%.
Table 2.9.8 : Tableware and kitchenware Of tropical wood
625269EU25_INTRA
625269EU15_INTRA
175586
EU15_EXTRA
175586
EU25_EXTRA

495101495101
171976171976689377664806240317215746ITALY
CHINA (PEOPLE'S REPUBLIC OF)
THAILANDSPAINGERMANY (incl DD from 1991)
BELGIUM (and LUXBG -> 1998)
POLANDPORTUGAL
VIET-NAM (excl. NORTH -> 1976)
OTHERS

2002
210454
97567
1166
46717
13731
41308
:
22574
34105
333233

2003
324131
74551
10156
17992
28893
112505::1498
97351:

44 190 010
2004
522890131517
43480
40440
38550
28376
24571
17584
15282
42433

Trop

800 855663 920905 123

Imports

EUR

Shows the import of tropical tableware and kitchenware, a total of 1 million Euro worth.

-170-

Table 2.9.9 : Tableware and kitchenware Of other wood
EU15_EXTRA
EU25_EXTRA
EU25_INTRA
EU15_INTRA

Imports

17359909
15498990
11610715
974979615494222
13867833
12830799
11204410

13348325
11922851
11742156
10316682

2002
669922237406858114869620871751611873079238638888323092003
714300747287961346125
1083192
1563480
94763116006827126330

44 190 090
2004
5820254326716322854961453956
1247703
1058338
9706336457607

26 056 867

25 539 243

22 561 150

2002
66992222386388412794365632

2003
7143007
1600682288983263737

2004
582025497063334162029379922605324526970555332299011451627046422317427010823328223005478687
203987

11 363 901

10 174 671

8 172 316

EUR

CHINA (PEOPLE'S REPUBLIC OF)
BELGIUM (and LUXBG -> 1998)
SPAIN
GERMANY (incl DD from 1991)
POLANDROMANIATHAILANDOTHERSCHINA (PEOPLE'S REPUBLIC OF)
THAILANDINDIA
PHILIPPINESINDONESIA (ID+TP from 77,excl. TP ->2001)
TAIWANBRAZILOTHERS
trop countr

Shows the import of tableware and kitchenware of other wood, for a total of 22 million Euro, of which
8 million Euro’s worth from tropical countries and countries traditionally producing from tropicaltimber, with China representing 6 million Euro worth of exports.

-171-

Nomenclature 4420 “Wood marquetry and inlaid wood; caskets and cases forjewellery or cutlery, and similar articles of wood; statuettes and other ornaments, ofwood; wooden articles of furniture not falling in chapter 94”
44 20 10 11 Statuettes and other ornaments of tropical wood

Tariff:3%
Table 2.9.10 : Statuettes and other ornaments, of tropical wood
31478873135320639404651971

EU15_EXTRA
EU25_EXTRA
EU15_INTRA
EU25_INTRA
Imports30190723019072
66114366114327439132743913742684742684

EUR
2002

2003

44201011
2004

INDONESIA (ID+TP from 77,excl. TP ->2001)
BELGIUM (and LUXBG -> 1998)
THAILANDCHINA (PEOPLE'S REPUBLIC OF)PHILIPPINES
INDIA
VIET-NAM (excl. NORTH -> 1976)
OTHERS

69771154316822331048939984573
350264
2019621196904

881127578650426797350310168998362965153798757570653091
616647596932277486221519177093150703793126Trop

3 787 291

3 678 292

3 486 597

Shows 4 million Euro worth or imports, Indonesia is the leading supplier-172-

44 20 10 19 Statuettes and other ornaments of other wood

Tariff:0%
Table 2.9.11 : Statuettes and other ornaments, of other wood
EU15_EXTRA
EU25_EXTRA
EU25_INTRA
EU15_INTRA

34314142
33947011
98124529445321

Imports

EUR
2002
11000311
6332538
477510353146783291784
22150852051134
60998015381446630706:

CHINA (PEOPLE'S REPUBLIC OF)
BELGIUM (and LUXBG -> 1998)
INDONESIA (ID+TP from 77,excl. TP -> 2001)
SWITZERLAND (incl. LI->1994)
THAILAND
VIET-NAM (excl. NORTH -> 1976)
INDIA
ITALY
PHILIPPINESOTHERS

43 759 463

30399206
30191039
7760565755239826264224
26172128
10024105
99320092003
94449214253707417837147723443106868
16918362121995
83658613695926175384:

44201019
2004
855996562818104091595
35286542293116
1991217
1868910128794010154835277543

37 951 604

36 196 233

Shows total imports from all countries, of which,
CHINA (PEOPLE'S REPUBLIC OF)
INDONESIA (ID+TP from 77,excl. TP -> 2001)
THAILAND
VIET-NAM (excl. NORTH -> 1976)
INDIA
PHILIPPINESOTHERS

2002
11000311
47751033291784
22150852051134
153814428772722003
944492141783713106868
16918362121995
13695922682733

2004
85599654091595
2293116
1991217
18689101015483
2064224

trop countr

27 748 833

24 596 316

21 884 510

Tropical countries and countries usually manufacturing tropical wood products are the major
suppliers.
China is leading with 9 million Euro.

-173-

44 20 90 10 Wood Marquettry.

Tariff:
4%
Table 2.9.12
13251713022625817226046354919
54919
133047133047

97713
97713
68811
68811

2002
7866
41669
30129
1573
25247
6392
:
277813

2003
2100
30482
62901
4873
23625
32477
:
31508

44209010
2004
24839
22546
22298
21778
16818
16772
10708
30765

390 689

187 966

166 524

CHINA (PEOPLE'S REPUBLIC OF)
MADAGASCARINDIA
BRAZILOTHERS

2002
7866
1573
6392
:
105323

2003
2100
4873
32477
:
11235

2004
24839
21778
16772
10708
9706

trop countr

121 154

50 68583 803

EU15_EXTRA
EU25_EXTRA
EU15_INTRA
EU25_INTRA

Imports

EUR

CHINA (PEOPLE'S REPUBLIC OF)
ITALY
SPAIN
MADAGASCARGERMANY (incl DD from 1991)
INDIA
BRAZILOTHERS

Shows a negligeable amount of import.

-174-

44 20 90 91: Cases .. of tropical wood

Tariff : 3%
Table 2.9.13: Cases and boxes of tropical wood
Imports

EUR

EU15_EXTRA
EU25_EXTRA
EU25_INTRA
EU15_INTRAITALYCHINA (PEOPLE'S REPUBLIC OF)
BELGIUM (and LUXBG -> 1998)
OTHERS
Trop
Shows 3.5 million Euro worth of imports.

-175-

2002
74669772013240151137494627407623721850626

2003
67401267118839902839620423499217392621387

44209091
2004
6177606120685878995822073521921850151234705597236399115392903 364 929

3 199 039

3 599 901

44 20 90 99 Cases … - of other wood”

Tariff:0%
Table 2.9.14 : Caskets-cases for jewellery-cutlery other
EU15_EXTRA
EU25_INTRA
EU25_EXTRA
EU15_INTRA

Imports

19845596
12234386
15221156
7609946

19764238
11974771
14357126
6567659

19034624
14496608
13844136
9306120

2002
7528783
3820800
2547427
18737971103751
14505716839031189891362422

2003
6316601
4432864
1991627
14354192106801
9209971008027
1219971
58086144209099
2004
633407041902742882900
16152091488124
139304313148121053389
1026133

689419763187297042790

27 455 542

26 331 897

28 340 744

20027528783
866128577609706061513031

2003
6316601
571713451352420713633097

2004
6334070936348592767332499331397550491
17328
284196
63660731123326492421709754027326861520941616859143846011 680 234

9 727 003

9 612 163EUR

CHINA (PEOPLE'S REPUBLIC OF)
POLANDBELGIUM (and LUXBG -> 1998)
ITALY
SWITZERLAND (incl. LI->1994)
NETHERLANDSGERMANY (incl DD from 1991)
ROMANIASPAIN
OTHERSCHINA (PEOPLE'S REPUBLIC OF)
THAILAND
INDIA
VIET-NAM (excl. NORTH -> 1976)
TAIWANINDONESIA (ID+TP from 77,excl. TP ->2001)
BRAZILPHILIPPINESOTHERS
trop countr

Shows 28 million Euro worth of imports of which 10 million Euro from tropical countries andcountries traditionally producing from tropical timber; China alone represents 6 million out of these 10
million Euro.

-176-

Figure 2.9.4

90
Million EUR

France. Imports of (4420)
Wood marquetry, caskets & cases,
ornaments, wooden articles of furniture
not falling in Chapter 94

85

80

Source: Eurostat

75
2002

2003

Shows the import of marquettry and boxes the last three years.

Nomenclature 44 21 “Other articles of wood”
44 21 10 Clothes hangers

Tariff
0%

-177-

2004

Table 2.9.15
5998520598974627794782770704

3779474
3762122274592227285704070953
4027825331162132684932002
5553706
1275101334763544293496555712397

2003
34264199595624290237130264045515754634421102004
377533613174427434977244573059644727508 769 224

6 506 622

7 339 446

CHINA (PEOPLE'S REPUBLIC OF)
BRAZILINDIA
PHILIPPINESTHAILANDOTHERS

2002
5553706
:
13240
4565
:
74250

2003
3426419
:
33168
1670
:
62671

2004
3775336
42795
16518
7015
6290
9227

trop countr

5 645 761

3 523 928

3 857 181

EU15_EXTRA
EU25_EXTRA
EU25_INTRA
EU15_INTRA

Imports

EUR

CHINA (PEOPLE'S REPUBLIC OF)SPAINBELGIUM (and LUXBG -> 1998)
GERMANY (incl DD from 1991)
ITALY
OTHERS

Shows total imports of 7.3 million Euro, of which tropical countries and countries traditionallyproducing tropical wood products represent 3.9 million Euro out of which China alone ships for 3.8
million Euro worth of clothes hangers.
44 21 90 98 Other articles of other wood

Tariff:0%-178-

Table 2.9.16 : Other articles of wood
1,14E+08
74250437
83835754
44396125

1,32E+08
91751717
85386166
45359644

1,43E+08
1,02E+08
95445856
54643142

2002
29945170
15963648
16135418
11230298
13985601
13468529
7135032
663654163470472902034
20091211367919
1596521

2003
29884475
23358291
16105243
19313050
15867903
13047372
83642966778224495897928382332405109
2339075
1715106

44219098
2004
29700658
27495741
18779063
18585830
16620758
12408951
10371460
8373785715235650370782887207
2798605
27073132116355
450203721324462455647
419081
17737746

181909330539652771780
1783406
1143445
19590838

263617025955652595183
2334515
1989948
22234211

158 086 191

177 137 883

CHINA (PEOPLE'S REPUBLIC OF)
INDONESIA (ID+TP from 77,excl. TP ->2001)
VIET-NAM (excl. NORTH -> 1976)
BRAZILECUADORTAIWANCAMEROONCONGOCOTE D'IVOIRETHAILANDPHILIPPINES
INDIA
MALAYSIAOTHERS

16135418

16105243

18779063

21163552455647
4190816358
39977221012410630325706741681804239481727412605741062518

1819093
1783406
1143445:405880572746450094139554736545820521026430627785212432362636170
2334515
19899488990236776736555846463034941053987002541252390082233011509097

trop countr

26 507 693

26 031 516

31 736 615

EU25_INTRA
EU15_INTRA
EU15_EXTRA
EU25_EXTRA
Imports
POLANDBELGIUM (and LUXBG -> 1998)
CHINA (PEOPLE'S REPUBLIC OF)GERMANY (incl DD from 1991)
ITALY
NETHERLANDSROMANIASPAIN
PORTUGALCZECH REPUBLIC (CS->1992)
UNITED KINGDOMFINLAND
BELARUS (BELORUSSIA)
INDONESIA (ID+TP from 77,excl. TP ->2001)
UNITED STATESRUSSIAN FEDERATION (RUSSIA)
VIET-NAM (excl. NORTH -> 1976)
BRAZILOTHERSEUR

197 304 397

Shows 200 million Euro worth of imports of which 32 million Euro from tropical countries andcountries traditionally producing tropical timber products. China leads with 19 million Euro worth ofexports.
-179-

Figure 2.9.5

210
200
190
180
Million EUR

FranceImports of (4421)
Clothes hangers& other wooden articles

170
160
150

Source: Eurostat

2002

2003

2004

Shows the strong increase in imports over the last three years of “Other articles made from wood “.
Most of the products in this mixed group of articles do not attract the attention of environmental
NGO’s, and there is generally no pressure for certification – at this time.
Artisanally crafted “Other SPWP”as well as industrially and semi-industrially produced products
represent an interesting export potential for some ITTO producers. A number of the products includedin this group are labour-intensive, require artisan skills, and offer value-adding opportunities.

-180-

PART III
3.1

Summary of Recommendations to ITTO Producers:
Challenges and Opportunities for tropical timber
products in the French timber market

Recommendations to ITTO Producers:x

Participate in the work to promote simpler and clearer nomenclature. This will assist with respect
to creating better access to the plywood market, amongst othersx

Respect the standards, e.g. EC Markingsx

Give maximum attention to all issues linked to environment, not least certificationx

France offers many opportunities for finished and semi-finished products. Wood based furniture
at this time represents the biggest item of import of all tropical woods, in value terms.

Popular species
Take full advantage of the inherent characteristics of the popular, primary species.
Each one of the popular, primary species of tropical timber that has its place in the French timbermarket owes its popularity to the inherent characteristics of that species, the technical characteristics
as well as its aesthetical appeal.
Some examples:
Teak, Niangon, Merbau, Doussié, Dark Red Meranti, Palapi, cannot be equalled for stability,
durability, workability, and appearance, for exterior joinery.
Ipé and Selangan Batu are very suitable for outdoor decking products.
Iroko is unequalled for a number of outdoor and indoor applications due to its durability, workability,
and relative stability in big dimensions, and it is much appreciated for its aesthetic qualities.
The samba, wawa, ayous species are ideal for indoor applications such as mouldings, doors, sauna
laths, due to their stability, light colour, workability.
Okoume is the world’s preferred plywood species.
The list is very long.
Recommendation:« Employ each species for the purposes/final products for which it is best suited and most appreciated.
Listen to the market, and deliverx
x
x

quality products
which satisfy the client’s real needs
and obtain your price »This is true for all products: Industrial Roundwood, Sawnwood, Veneer, Plywood, Joinery, Mouldings,
Parquet, Decking, Furniture, and other Processed Wood Products.

-181-Lesser-known species
In most cases “lesser-known species” are less popular, or « secondary » for a number of technicaland/or aesthetic reasons which can be related to difficulties of workability, drying, stability, finishing,durability, appearance, etc.
When these species are sold on the world market either without any transformation as industrial
roundwood, or in the form of primary processed raw material, sawnwood or veneer, they fetch low
delivered prices. These timbers will compete against a host of other species of tropical and temperate
hard- and softwoods, as well as against other building/decorative materials.
With rising energy cost, the element of transportation cost (the single largest element of cost in the
total cost price of most wood products) will absorb most of the value. The producer will be left with avery low contribution ex-logyard or ex-mill for such “secondary” species sold as industrial
roundwood, veneer, or green/airdried sawnwood.
It is more profitable for tropical timber producers to transform these « secondary » species into
finished/semi-finished wood products, such as plywood, furniture, joinery, mouldings, decking, andother secondary processed wood products.
Examples abound of species which were previously considered « lesser-known » or « secondary »which have become popular, fetching attractive prices to the producer, thanks to the producer having
solved the most important technical problems. Some examples:
Philippine Dark Red Lauan
Brazilian Tauari
African Ayous, wawa, Samba
once kiln-dried, these species satisfy the client’s real needs, and have become primary, popularsawnwoods, and valued secondary processed wood products, each in its field of service.
A host of « secondary » or « lesser-known » species that were previously left in the forest, without any
demand for them, are now being utililized for making such products as plywood and furniture.
Seen with the user’s eyes, provided the sheet of plywood and the piece of furniture are serviceable andsatisfy the intended use, then the species from which these products are made, is not important.
The same is true of mouldings, for certain end-uses, as well as for a number of the products in thegroup of “Other Secondary processed wood products”.
Some “lesser-known” or “secondary” species, are not known because the volume available isinsufficient to arrange economic production runs, and insufficient to make an impact on the market.
These species often pose a problem for the producer/manufacturer in the country of origin, withrespect to downstream manufacturing. The volume available of fresh logs is insufficient to make aproduction run in the sawmill, it is difficult to ensure proper kilndrying, and there is insufficientvolume to make a production run in the moulding factory.
If a producer does manage to make a small production of such timber, he cannot guarantee his client/s
a regular supply of a certain volume, due to its very modest presence in the forest.
The producer is thus tempted to either leave the tree standing in the forest, or to sell the log in log
form, at whatever price he can obtain.
Sold as industrial roundwood, the producer is rarely able to obtain a satisfactory price for these
species.
A number of these species can profitably be made into plywood, furniture, and other SPWP. Provided
that the ITTO producer manufactures these species into finished products which satisfy the client’s-182-

technical and aesthetic requirements, the client is not concerned about the species used, nor if thespecies are mixed.
When a “lesser-known species” enjoys technical and/or aesthetic characteristics which are attractive tothe market, but that species is available in insufficient quantities to each producer, the authors
recommend to the producers in the same region to work together and exchange these rare species sothat each producer gets enough raw material to be able to make economic production runs.

France: the world’s most species flexible wood market.
Amongst the traditional timber importing countries, France is the most species flexible wood market.
France has in less than one generation changed its primary joinery species 6 times, from African Sipo,
to Philippine Lauan, to Malaysian and Indonesian Dark Red Meranti, to Malaysian White Seraya, toBrazilian Curupixa, and now Brazilian Tauari.
For other end-uses, mouldings, parquet, plywood, furniture, species and products have changed as
well.
The French market is open to « new » species and products – on certain conditions, amongst which themost important are:xxx

regularity of delivered volume of supply
quality of product, specification, and appearancecompetitive price relative to equivalent supply

Tropical Timber Producers seeking further information and recommendations about opportunities in
the French timber market may contact ITTO who can refer to sources of information in France.

Specific recommendations for each product group:

Industrial Roundwood:
The ITTO producer who has an integrated operation of logging and downstream manufacturing will inmost cases be faced with having to make choices about which species to convert into primary export
products and which to convert into secondary processed wood products. From those countries whereindustrial roundwood can be exported, essentially the Congo basin countries, which species should beexported in the form of industrial roundwood?
The popular species Sipo and Iroko, as well as to some extent, Bosse, Frake, Ayous and a few others,
are being employed by the artisans who make to order any joinery product which their client needs: afront door one day, a kitchen cabinet another, an outdoor table can be next. The artisan needs durable
and stable timber that is easy to work. Long lengths and wide widths of timber are essential criteria ofquality, in this respect.
It can be argued that, when a species is employed for such artisanal end-use, i.e. for one-off products,
the industrial roundwood represents a number of advantages for the client, compared with primaryprocessed timber.
Azobe used essentially for hydraulic timbers, is a good example of an end-use of non-standard
dimensions/products, for which the client gets more out of a full log than out of sawn timber.
France, for instance, exports some of its highest quality Oak logs to other countries, because theclients in these countries get most out of having the full log to work with. This is the case forexample, in China.

Sawnwood
ITTO producers find a ready market for tropical sawnwood in France, both shipping/air-dried andKiln-dried. Apart from the above-stated cases of artisanal end-use, i.e. one-off products best made-183-

from the log or the full product of the log (such as boules), sawnwood is the preferred product for theindustrial manufacturer of SPWP. Most joinery, mouldings, parquet and other SPWP manufacturers
employ sawnwood as their raw material.
In which cases will it be advantageous for the ITTO producer to supply sawnwood, and in which cases
will it be more rewarding to supply dimension stock or SPWP, to his French clients?
One of the advantages of sawnwood in standard dimensions, of traditional export quality, is that the
product addresses itself to a wide range of clients, usually many clients in the same country, and often
in many different countries.
On the other hand, once the sawnwood is converted into a fixed dimension stock specification, therange of possible clients is more limited. An example: The wood window industry in France has lost
market share from 80% to now 17%, more than 2 out of 3 wood window manufacturers have gonebankrupt over the last generation.
The ITTO manufacturer producing a fixed dimension window stock specifically for one client only isthus facing a high-risk market exposure.
The wood window market share is still declining in France, and there have been bankruptcies amongst
French wood window manufacturers also in 2005. Exterior doors are also losing market share to PVC.
The major market segments in which tropical wood products enjoy steady or growth markets are-staircases
mouldings
certain interior doors
parquetdecking

It is thus considered advisable for ITTO producers to concentrate supply of fixed dimension
specification of sawnwood as well as dimension stock to these latter major market segments, naturally
making a careful selection of their clients. If a market is considered doubtful, it is advisable toproduce standard dimension, traditional export quality sawnwood. In case a problem arises, thatsawnwood can be directed towards other clients.

Veneer – rotary peeled and Plywood.
This is one of the most suitable outlets for most light and medium density species, popular as well as“secondary”. The authors recommend:- Respect the European product norms, the CE label.
- Produce the specifications and qualities that the market requires.
- Remember: the standard plywood size in France is 153x305cm

Veneer – sliced
The European slicing industry is moving its factories to the producing countries.
ITTO producers in areas with suitable raw material of popular slicing species may consider
manufacturing this product.

Furniture
France – like most other countries – is importing fast increasing quantities of furniture from tropicalsuppliers including China. Tropical countries including China now supply France with 500 million
Euro worth of furniture annually, up from 350 million three years ago. These 500 million Euro worthof tropical furniture imports still represent only 13% of all imported furniture.
Furniture factories are closing in France, as they are in the rest of Europe and USA, the market share
being taken by lower-cost producers, including ITTO Producers.
The potential for ITTO producers is exciting, see chapter 2.5 Furniture for details.

-184-

Apart from the lower-end of the market where furniture is sold on price, there is more rewarding
specialty furniture market where quality, design and marketing play an important role.

Builders Joinery
Offers opportunities to ITTO producers in those regions where there is suitable joinery raw material,in terms of species, dimension and quality
Finished products and dimension stock is in demand, in selected species, for
x
x
x
x
x
x

window frames (see above – make careful client selection)
exterior doors, same comment as for window frames
staircases – steady market for tropical timber
shutters – market still in decline in terms of global volume, however, quality supply is scarceinterior doors – steady market
decking – strong demand.

Joinery products, like all other products that enter into construction in France, carry a ten-year
guarantee. Quality of raw material and process is essential.

Mouldings
French moulding manufacturers and distributors are complaining about insufficient supply ofcompetitive, suitable tropical timber mouldings, dimension stock, and sawnwood for mouldings.
The traditional moulding species (see chapter 2.7. Mouldings) enjoy good demand. Certain“Secondary” species can possibly be developed into moulding products. One of the essential
characteristics of a good moulding timber is its stability.

ParquetThe market for parquet is in steady growth. The tropical hardwood parquet market share is growing,
both for solid parquet and for multilayer. Demand is strong for parquet in the popular species(see chapter 2.8 Parquet). There is a potential for developing certain “secondary” species into parquet.
The authors recommend careful species testing before commencing production. Launching of a new
species of parquet on the French market costs 70,000 Euro – or more.
Whilst demand is good, competition is very keen, as many producers from around the world arecompeting for market share. Quality is the prerequisite for success. Manufacturers of multilayerparquet for clip-installation are now working in tolerances of 1/100th of 1mm.

Other articles of wood
A number of both industrially manufactured, semi-industrial, and artisan’s products offer interesting
potential for ITTO producers. Total imports of this group of products have enjoyed strong growthover the last few years, and now represent a market approaching 500 million Euro annually.
(See Chapter 2.9. Other Articles of wood). The following products/product groups offer ITTO
producers scope for increased market share
x
x
x
x
x

Wooden frames for paintings etc.
Tools, tool bodies, tool handles, broom and brush handles, boot and shoe lasts
Tableware and kitchenware
Wood marquettry, cases, boxes for jewellery, cutlery etc., statuettes and ornaments
Clothes hangers and “other articles”. This latter, “other artilces”, undefined group represents
200 million Euro imports a year. China ships 19 million Euro worth a year – other ITTO
producers might learn from their Chinese colleagues about this market.

-185-

APPENDICESAppendix I
Acronyms and Abbreviations
ATIBT
Boule
CFP
CITES
CN
DIY
EC
ECE
EEC
EOS
EPF
EU
FAO
FEFPEB
FEIC
FEMIB
FEP
FLEGT
FSC
GATT
GDP
GSP
ha
INSEE
ISO
ITTO
KD
LCB
OECD
PEFC
RWE
S4S
SFM
TARIC
TC
UCBD
UCIP
UIB
UK
UN
UNCED
UNCTADUNECE
UNFCCC
UNIFA
WTO
WWF

International Technical Tropical Timber Association
Sandwich-cut log (French: plot)
Certified Forest Product
Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora
Combined Nomenclature
Do-it-Yourself
European Commission
Economic Commission for Europe
European Economic Community
European Organization of the Sawmill Industry
European Panel Federation
European Union
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations
European Federation of Pallet and Packaging Manufacturers
Fédération Européenne de l'industrie du ContreplaquéEuropean building and joinery federation
European Federation of the Parquet Industry
Forest Law Enforcement, Governance and Trade
Forest Stewardship Council
General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade
Gross Domestic Product
Generalized System of Preferences
HectareInstitut National de la Statistique et des Etudes Economiques
International Organisation for Standardization
International Tropical Timber Organization
Kiln-dried
Le Commerce du Bois
Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development
Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification Schemes
Round Wood Equivalent
Surfaced 4 Sides
Sustainable Forest Management
Integrated Tariff of the European Communities
UNECE Timber Committee
Union pour le Commerce des Bois Durs
Union pour le Commerce des Panneaux en Bois
Union des Industries du Bois
United Kingdom
United Nations
United Nations Conference on Environment and Development
United Nations Conference on Trade and Development
United Nations Economic Commission for Europe
United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change
Union Nationale des Industries Françaises de l’Ameublement
World Trade Organization
Worldwide Fund for Nature-189-

Appendix II
Reports and documentation consulted
AGRESTEx
La forêt et les industrie du bois, 2000x
Le bois en chiffres, MINEFI, 2004
x
GraphAgri 2005
x
Recolte de bois et production de sciages en 2003, Agreste Chiffres et Données,
Agroalimentaire, No. 132, June 2005
CEI Boisxx

EU Road Map http://www.cei-bois.org/frameset.html
Memorandum of the woodworking industries to the European institutions, Brussels, 2004

CIRAD
x
x
x

Le point sur la place des bois tropicaux dans le monde, Roda J-M Bois et forêts des tropiques,
2002, N° 274
Nouvelles perspectives pour les filières forestières tropicales
Etude de différents scénarios d’introduction d’une écoconditionalité dans les achats publics
de bois tropicaux Roda J-M , 2004

CTBA
x

Annual progress statement on standardization January 2005

DESCLOSx
Value Added Wood Products Trade UN / ECE Timber Committee 61st Session Geneva 2003
http://www.unece.org/trade/timber/docs/tc-sessions/tc-61/presentations/21-desclos.pdf
xDiscussion paper on secondary processed wood products markets UN / ECE Timber
Committee 61st Session Rome 2000 http://www.unece.org/trade/timber/docs/dp/dp-21spwp.pdf
xSecondary Processed Wood products Markets UN / ECE Timber Committee 61st Session
Rome 2000 http://www.unece.org/trade/timber/docs/rev-00/rev00.htm
EPFx

EPF Annual report 2004-2005

EUROPEAN UNIONx
FLEGT - Note d'information , Brussels, 2004
FAO
xMarkets for high-value tropical hardwoods in Europe, 2001

FEIC
x

Annual report, 2004-2005

FEPx

Annual report, 2004-2005

FNB
x

Le marché du bois en France situation actuelle et perspectives a court terme, UNECE
Meeting, September 2005

-190-

IPEA
x

Meubloscope 2005

ISEMAR (Institut Supérieur d’Economie Maritime)x
Les ports français et les produits forestiers, 2005
ITTO
x
x
x

Annual review and assessment of the world timber situation 2004
Review of the Italian Timber Market – With Focus on Tropical Timber 2005
ITTO Tropical market report

LCB
x
x
x

Special bilan importations, Commerce international du bois, n°242, 2005
Étude « distribution sciages en France » Yves Costrel, FNB Eric Boilley, LCB, 2004,
Carrefour du Bois
Etude de marché sur les terrasses bois en France, LCB AGM 17/6/2005, Commerce
International du BoisMINEFIxx

Le bois en chiffres SESSI, Edition 2004 http://www.industrie.gouv.fr/sessi/
Bois Papier SESSI, June 2005 http://www.industrie.gouv.fr/sessi/

UNECE
x
x
x
x
x

European Forest Sector Outlook Study, United Nations, Geneva, 2005
Forest products annual market review 2004-2005, United Nations, Geneva, 2005
European Timber Markets: Developments and Challenges in 2004, Pepke, ITTO Market
Discussions, 2004, Interlaken
Trade of secondary processed wood and paper products 200-2003, 2004
Forest products trade flow data, 200-2003, 2004

UNIBALx

Etude sectorielle bois et dérivés 2002

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Appendix III
Organizations, companies and persons interviewed.
1.

VisitsA. Timber and Plywood Importers/Distributors.
1. Bois des 3 Ports, Wolseley Group, Nantes:
Mr. Pascal Quetel, Director
2. Bois Nord Sud, Sète (F.J. Jammes Group):
Mr. Jean-François Vial, Commercial Manager
3. Bois Tropicaux du Midi, Sète :Mr. Alain Baudrand, Owner-Partner
4. CIBM – Groupe Saint Gobain
Mr. Guy Rossonne, Point P, Paris, Procurement Director
M. Patrice Graff, Commercial Director, La Pallice/La Rochelle
M. Falconnet, Procurement Manager for Tropical Timber.
5. CID, Nantes
Mr. Dominik Mohr, C.E.O.
6. FEPCO, Nantes
Mr. Alain Cochet, Manager.
7. Ets. Henry, Saint Hilary:
Mr. Luc Henry, Owner-Manager
Mr. Bruno Sirand, Director
8. Indubois S.A. Sète (DLH – Nordisk Group):
Mr. Soren Strand Larsen, Managing Director,
Mr. Hervé Le Coz, Commercial Manager,
Mr. Laurent Peyraud, Procurement Manager.
9. Indubois – DLH-Nordisk Group, Nantes:
Mr Michel Braud, Manager Nantes.
10. F.J. Jammes, Bordeaux
Mr. Francis Jammes, Owner
Mr. Thierry Meha, Manager.
11. Scierie de l’Atlantique, La Pallice/La Rochelle - Groupe Provost:
M. Héritier, Managing Director
12. SINBPLA, Nantes
Mr. Pascal Albert, Plywood Manager.
13. Tradelink, Nantes:
Mr. Jorgen Hartz, Manager
B.

Custom-cutting sawmills, cutting boules from Tropical Roundwood:
Scierie du Port:: Mr. Bonnefond, Owner-Manager.

C. Producer/Exporters of Tropical Timber
Tropical Timber France – Tropical Timber: Group, La Pallice/La Rochelle:
Mr. Christophe Mollard
D. Producer/exporter/Distributor – Nordic Softwood:
Stora Enso Bois, La Pallice/La Rochelle:
Mr. Jukka Herrala, Purchasing Manager
Mr. Bernard Guillemain, Sales Manager

-192-

E.

Producer/Sawmiller, French Hardwoods, Importer/Distributor:
Ets. Roturier, Fontenay-le-Compte:
M. Jacques Roturier, Owner-Manager.
xEts. Robert, Ardentes:
M. Robert, Owner-Manager
x

F.

Stevedores/warehousing/Transit Agents
Sea-Invest, Nantes:
Mr. Jean-Jacques Faure, Manager
CGMS
Mr. Dominique Charles

G. Joinery Manufacturer
Ets. Millet, Mauleon:
Mr. Bruno Guedon, Buyer.
H. Joinery Manufacturer, Retailer
Ets. Lapeyre – Saint Gobain Group:
Mr. Jean-Pierre Chèvreton, Procurement Director.
I.

Parquet Manufacturer
Ets. Parquetterie Berrichone:
Mr. Eric Mantion, Commercial ManagerxParquet Design:
Mr. Joseph Panaget, C.E.O
x

J.

Furniture Manufacturer
Groupe Forèges:Mr. Jean-Yves Martin, CEO

K. Importer, Distributor, Retailer Tropical Wood Furniture, Decking etc.
Fratim, Marne-la-Vallée: Agent, Importer, Tropical sawnwood
Mr. Francis Lammens , Owner-Manager
L.

French Trade Federationsx
Le Commerce du Bois:
Mr. Eric Boilley, Director
Mr. Alain Cochet, Plywood committeex
ATIBT:
Mr. Jean-Jacques Landrot, Secretary-General
Mr. Paul-Emanuel Huet
Mlle Christina Connolly

M. French Industry Associations / Federations
x
FNB : Mr. Costrel, DirectorxUFC: Mr. Chevaldonnetx
UFPP: Mr. Dominique Coutrotx
UFFEP
Mr. Louis Borg, Président
Mr. Dominique Millereux, General Secretaryx
UNIFA and IPEA
N. Foreign Trade Federationsx
UK – Timber Trade Federation
Mr. Andy Roby

-193-

x

x

The Danish Timber Trade Federation
Mr. Morten Bjoerner
Mr. Jakob Klaumann
The Italian Timber Trade Federation Fedecomlegno
Mr. Michele Alfano, President

O. Forestry, Sawmilling, Veneer and Plywood Manufacturers in Africa, Importers &Distributors in France :Rougier Group:
Mr. Francis Rougier, President.
M. Marret, Commercial Manager.
P.

Tropical producer / traders:
Precious woods:
Mr. Finn Knudsen, Sales Manager

Q. Ministry of Agriculturex
Paris
Mr. Alain Chaudron, International Forestry
Mme Caroline Merle
Mme Véronique Jouclax
Toulouse
Research – Statistics,
Mr. Michel Morel
R. Research:x
CIRAD, Montpellier:Mr. Henri-Felix Maître
Mr. Jean-Marc Roda,
Dr. Santosh Rathi
Dr. Jean Gérard
x
CTBA, Paris:
Documentation Center
Mr. Claude Monnier, Parquet
S.

T.

University
ESB, Nantes
Mr. Claude Lefebvre, Président
Mr. Xavier Martin, Director
Forest Certification,
PEFC, France, Paris:
Sandra Zakine, Director’s Assistant.
xForet Ressources Management, Montpellier:Dr. Bernard Cassagne
x

U. Chamber of Commerce
Chambre de commerce et d’Industrie de Sète-Frontignant-Mèze:
Mr. Henri Cournon, Sète Port Authority-194-

V. Customs – Statisticsx
French Direction National Statistics , Toulouse
M. Moulucou
M. Jean-Louis ThouyxEuropean Statistics
UCBD, UCIP, Bruxelles:
M. Daelmans
W. Consultants, Africa
Stratégie Bois
M. Richard Garrigue
2

Telephone Interviews:
A. French Industry Associations / Federations
x
SNFMI:Mr. Alain Tirot
x
UNIBAL:Mr.Yves Rambaud
Mr Remy Dassant
B.

Laboratory, Labelling Authority:
CTBA, Bordeaux
Mr. Patrice Rancœur
Mr. Jean-Marie Gaillard

C. International OrganizationsxEuropean Union, Forestry, Brussels:
Mr. John Bazillx
UNECE, Geneva,
Dr.Edouard Pepke
Mr. Alec Mc Kusker
xWorld Resources Institute, Washington D.C.:
Mr. Pierre Méthot
D. Joinery Manufacturersx
Arbati (Doors, Windows) – Bruno Petit Group, 09 Ardennes
Mr. Regnault, Managing DirectorxEts. Roziere,(Interior Doors) 12 Aveyron:
Mr. Thurlat, Procurementx
Ets. Keller (Interior Doors), Florence:
M. Santet, Managing DirectorxFrance Portes (Interior Doors and Shutters):
Mr. Froment, Owner-Manager
xEts. Pasquet Menuiserie (Doors, Windows) International Trading Groups:
Mr. Pasquet, Presidentx
Mobois – Jura, Dowel Manufacturer
Mr. Morel, Owner/Manager
xEts. Fonmarty, Groupe Premdor: Door Manufacturer:
M. Richard Fonmarty, Managing DirectorxEts. Sotrinbois, Moulding Manufacturer:
M. Augry, Managing DirectorxEts. Moulu-Décor, Moulding Manufacturer:
Mr. Michel Augeix, Managing Director

-195-

E.

Plywood and Veneers Manufacturers
JoubertMr. Grosdisierx
Smurfitt Rolpin:
Mr. Marc Vincent
xEssa Bois:
Mr. ChalayerxF.

Timber Importer / Distributor
CIBM – Point P, Chambéry:
M. Paressant, Director – Joinery.

G. Foreign Timber Companies
x
DLH/Nordisk Copenhagen:Poul Leineweber, Asst. Division Mgr.
Mr. Kim Axelsen, Softwood Manager
Erik Albrechtsen, Environement Consultantx
Woodscape – International Plywood Trading Co, Belgium.:
Mr. Peter Timm, Managing Director
H. Foreign Consulting Company
Canada Wood UK
Mr. John Park

-196-

Appendix IV
Fig. 1.18 - 1973
IMPORTS OF TROPICAL INDUSTRIAL ROUNDWOOD AND SAWNWOOD
INTO 7 EUROPEAN COUNTRIES1973
INDUSTRIAL ROUNDWOOD 1000

3Grand Total I.R.
Sawnwood + R.E.

SAWNWOOD 1000M3

AFRICAASIASOUTHAMERICATOTALAFRICAASIASOUTHAMERICA

DIVERSTOTALTOTAL M3
RE*

GRAND
TOTAL

Germany

1366

133

7

1506

90

309

13

33

444

799

2305

Netherlands

326

30

14

370

48

319

9

375

674

1044

Belgium

185

15

7

225

15

145

2

10

172

309

534

UnitedKingdom

365

8

6

386

244

464

39

24

770

1385

1771

Total
4 NorthEuropeancountries

2242

186

34

2487

397

1237

63

67

1761

3167

5654

France

2012

479

10

2523

73

290

6

8

376

676

3199

Spain

632

45

452

1130

20

16

9

45

81

1211

Italy

1506

392

26

1924

28

184

10

222

399

2323

916

488

5577

121

490

25

8

643

1156

6733

1102

522

8064

518

1727

88

75

2404

4323

12387

Total
3 SouthEuropeancountries

Total 7countries

4150

6392

* R E =roundwood equivalent
UCBT/ UNION POUR LE COMMERCE DES BOIS TROPICAUX DE LA CEE

Conversion factors used in the comparison tables:
1 m3 of Roundwood =0.555 m3 of sawnwood
0.525 m3 of veneers0.435 m3 of plywood-197-

Fig. 1.18 - 2003

IMPORTS OF TROPICAL INDUSTRIAL ROUNDWOOD AND SAWNWOOD
INTO 7 EUROPEAN COUNTRIES2003
3

INDUSTRIAL ROUNDWOOD 1000 M

SAWNWOOD 1000 M

Grand Total I.R. +Sawnwood

3

1000m3 RE

AFRICAASIASOUTHAMERICATOTALAFRICAASIASOUTHAMERICA

Germany

126

9

1

136

64

55

Netherlands

23

1

5

29

67

Belgium

13

0

0

13

UnitedKingdom

7

3

0

Total
4 NorthEuropeancountries

169

13

6

France

530

Spain

Italy
Total
3 SouthEuropeancountries

Total 7countries

TOTAL

TOTAL RE*

GRAND
TOTAL

3

122

220

356

212

86

365

656

685

71

86

39

196

353

368

10

73

60

23

156

281

291

188

275

413

151

839

1510

1700

2

532

159

49

143

351

631

1163

123

1

124

310

3

137

450

809

244

4

248

343

69

43

455

818

1066

904

812

121

323

1256

2258

3162

534

474

2095

3768

4862

897

7

1066

20

0

1092

1087

R E =roundwood equivalent
UCIP/UNION POUR LE COMMERCE DES PANNEAUX EN BOIS
UCBD/UNION POUR LE COMMERCE DES BOIS DURS DANS L’U E-198-

DIVERS

933

Fig. 1.18 - Comparaison 1973/2003

COMPARAISON OF IMPORTS OF TROPICAL INDUSTRIAL ROUNDWOOD AND SAWNWOOD

1973

Total 1973

2003

roundwood sawnwood

1000 m3 RE*

roundwood sawnwood

3

1000 m

3 RE

1000 m

1000M31000 m3 RE

Total 2003
1000 m3 RE*

2003 in %1973 RE*

Germany

1506

799

2305

136

220

356

15%

Netherlands

370

674

1044

29

656

685

66%

Belgium

225

309

534

13

353

368

69%

United Kingdom

386

1385

1771

10

281

291

16%

2487

3167

5654

188

1510

1700

30%

France

2523

676

3199

532

631

1163

36%

Spain

1130

81

1211

124

809

933

77%

Italy

1924

399

2323

248

818

1056

46%

5577

1156

6733

904

2258

3162

47%

8064

4323

12387

1092

3768

4862

39%

Total
4 north european
countries

Total
3 south european
countries
Grand total
7 european countries*RE = roundwood equivalent
Source : U.C.B.D.

-199-