Despite the sizeable growth, only about 6-8 percent of the production enters international trade as primary forest products reflecting the fact that over half is used for fuelwood and charcoal, most of which is used domestically.
Developed countries dominate both imports and exports.
In value terms they accounted for about 80 percent of total forest product imports and exports in 1997. Five countries accounted for 53 percent of world trade. Much of the trade in forest products is within regions or between neighbouring countries. For example much of Europe's trade is within Europe, over 80 percent of the trade in Asia and Oceania is to other countries in the region, and a similar level of North American trade is within that region. A number of trade-related issues offer both opportunities and challenges for the future.