1. CENTRAL AND WEST AFRICA

  Demand in Asian markets continues to improve
Producers report there has been a slight increase in
demand in Asian markets and for a wider range of species
than in recent month with more interest being shown in
movingui while demand for ovangkol/shedua has cooled.
Kevazingo is no longer shipped from Cameroon or Gabon
but there are reports of shipments appearing to originate in
Equatorial Guinea.

Production is showing signs of improvement in Cameroon
with sawmills actively building stocks. Despite quiet
demand in Asian and Middle East markets, renewed
buying interest in China for species like bilinga, padouk,
iroko and movingui has been welcomed.

European market are reported as stable overall with a
minor uptick in demand seen for sapele sawnwood. There
are regular orders for padouk, iroko and doussie but for
small volumes.

There are reports (unconfirmed) that a large volume of
logs has been seized in Gabon and that these have been
sold mainly to plywood factories in GSEZ at low prices.
This has caused dissatisfaction among other log suppliers.
However, the volume seized is said to be equivalent to
around one month's log requirements for veneer mills in
the Nkok special zone.

Land tax payments due
March 25th marked the deadline for operators in Gabon to
pay their land taxes at the current rates. The rates vary
based on the certification status of companies. Those with
FSC or OLB certification (Origine et Légalité des Bois)
incur a fee of 300 CFA per hectare those with only legal
agreements are charged 600 CFA per hectare with others
facing charges of 1000 CFA per hectare. It is reported that
some operators have opted for instalments until year-end
to manage their cash flow.

Towards the modern silvicultural practices in
Cameroon
Over the past two years the UFA-REFOREST project
funded by the European Union has been supporting four
forestry companies in Cameroon; AlpiCAM-GrumCAM,
PALLISCO, SEEF and SEFAC in forest restoration. More
than 45,000 trees have been planted in areas where the
forest cover has been disturbed.

The project is being implemented by ATIBT with the
support of its technical partners Gembloux Agro-Bio Tech
(ULiège), ENSET Douala and Nature Plus.

See: https://www.atibt.org/en/news/13465/ufa-reforest-project-towards-the-modernisation-of-silvicultural-activities-in-forest-concessions-in-cameroon

Through the eyes of industry
The latest GTI report lists the challenges identified by the private
sector in the Republic of Congo and Gabon.

https://www.itto-ggsc.org/static/upload/file/20240319/1710813683173232.pdf

2. GHANA

   Business Chamber bemoans high cost of doing
business
The Ghana/South African Business Chamber has warned
the high cost of doing business in the countryis impacting
negatively on both small and large enterprises. President
of the Chamber, Grant Weber, described the current
economic conditions as unfavourable and advised
businesses they must carefully manage their costs to
withstand these challenging times.

The Ghana/South African Business Chamber’s works to
promote trade, investment and cultural interactions
between Ghana and South Africa. Members are from the
mining, trade, financial services, real estate engineering,
agro processing, manufacturing, import and export
services and energy sectors.

In related news, the local media has reported the Ghana
National Chamber of Commerce and Industries (GNCCI)
has suggested that Ghana loses shipping opportunities to
Togo over high port charges.

Disputing this the Director General of Ghana Port and
Harbours Authourity (GPHA), Michael Luguji, said the
GPHA fees and levies at the ports are not the problem
pointing to other cost centres such as custom duties, levies
and other government agency charges which cannot be
attributed to GPHA.

The Minister of Finance Dr. Mohammed Amin Adam,
called for an assessment and review of the port clearing
system and related charges.

See: https://www.myjoyonline.com/ghana-south-african-business-chamber-bemoans-high-cost-of-doing-business/

 and
(https://www.ghanaweb.com/GhanaHomePage/business/Ghana-loses-vessels-traffic-to-Togo-over-high-port-charges-GNCCI-1922391)

and
(https://www.myjoyonline.com/we-are-not-responsible-for-high-port-charges-gpha/)

Boosting the local businesses community
Speaking at a consultative meeting with members of the
Council of Indigenous Business Association of Ghana
(CIBA), The Vice President, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia,
said many indigenous Ghanaian businesses, which
constitute the majority of the business community, are not
formalised and sadly are not reflected in government data
which does not augur well for policy planning and growth.
He said he will engage with the leadership of CIBA for
their members to be formalised and their businesses
registered.

He also mentioned tax reforms which, according to him,
are carefully thought through to help the growth of
businesses, especially indigenous businesses. He indicated
the tax reforms the government intends to roll out in 2025
include a tax amnesty for businesses and individuals, a flat
rate tax for businesses, as well as cancellation of some
taxes. These are aimed at boosting businesses and ensuring
transparency and understanding in the tax system.

See: https://www.myjoyonline.com/formalising-indigenous-businesses-key-on-my-agenda-dr-bawumia-to-ciba/

2023 wood exports – down by 15%
Ghana’s wood product exports in 2023 dropped in both
volume and value registering 15% and 12% respectively
according to data from the Statistics and Research Unit of
the Timber Industry Development Division (TIDD).

Nineteen wood products at a volume of 293,285 cu.m
were exported in 2023 compared to the 343,543 cu.m
recorded for same period in 2022.



Air and kiln-dried sawnwood accounted for 71% of the
total export volume in 2023 (293,285cu.m). Export
volumes of air dried sawnwood dropped by 10% year-on-
year and exports of kiln dried sawnwood dropped by 15%.

Teak logs briquettes and plywood were the only products
that recorded increased export volumes in 2023. The
export statistics revealed that teak log exports in 2023
surged to Eur2.82 million in 2023 from sales of just
Eur0.17 million in 2022.

The main log export species were teak and gmelina which
were for the India market (95%) with the balance going to
the UK.

Stakeholders briefed on modalities of TREES
The Climate Change Directorate (CCD) in the Forestry
Commission, in collaboration with the Architecture for
REDD+ Transactions (ART) and the REDD+
Environmental Excellence Standards (TREES), organised
a 4-day engagement for stakeholders.

The workshop formed part of Ghana’s preparation for the
third-party verification and validation process and
education for stakeholders on the modalities of TREES.

Ghana has submitted the TREES Registration and
Monitoring document to ART under the Lowering
Emissions by Accelerating Forest Finance (LEAF)
Programme which covers the 10 southern regions of
Ghana, excluding the Oti Region.

In his presentation, Thomas Yaw Gyambrah, Manager for
Measurement, Reporting and Verification (MRV) and
Programmes of the Climate Change Directorate, provided
an overview on Ghana’s REDD+ process leading into
ART/ TREES. He said Ghana has made impressive
progress in implementing the components of the Warsaw
Framework since the country joined the REDD+
mechanism in 2008 through the Forest Carbon Partnership
Facility.

The MRV Manager added that these systems have helped
developed a REDD+ Strategy, establish a safeguard
system, create a Forest Reference Level and put in place a
National Forest Monitoring System.

He also stated that Ghana has a REDD+ Strategy with 5
programmes with 2 of them under implementation; the
Ghana Cocoa Forest REDD+ Programme (GCFRP) and
the Ghana Shea Landscape Emission Reductions Project
(GSLERP). The Managing Director of the ART
Secretariat, Christiana Magerkurth, gave a presentation on
the verification and validation process and how the ART
Secretariat functions.

See: https://fcghana.org/ccd-and-art-trees-engages-stakeholders/

3. MALAYSIA

  Association addresses future of industry and the way
forward
The Timber Exporters' Association of Malaysia (TEAM)
president has urged the government to assist the industry
regain its competitiveness as many companies are still
trying to recover from the impact of the Covid pandemic.

TEAM president, Chua Song Fong, said there has been a
significant drop in the volume of timber exports. The
impact, he said, can be felt throughout the supply chain
from upstream to the downstream including those involved
in logging activities, manufacturing, furniture producers,
timber treatment and also logistics. He added, the reduced
harvest from the natural forest has had an impact and that
there is a need to increase the availability of raw materials
to keep the industry going.

Chua suggested that it will soon be necessary to import
raw material for manufacturing but policies to ease the
import of timber need to be in place. In the long term more
tree plantations are needed.

See:
https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2024/03/1028507/future-timber-industry-and-its-way-forward

Certification of wood and biocomposite products
The Malaysia Timber Industry Board (MTIB) through the
Fibre and Biocomposite Centre (FIDEC) took the initiative
to organise a consultation on ‘Certification of Wood and
Biocomposite Products Toward Sustainability and Green
Label’.

The programme highlighted the importance of certification
of wood and biocomposite products especially from
biomass raw materials such as palm biomass, wood
residues and agricultural biomass. Five speakers
presented in the consultation.

The first was on ‘Sustainability for Wood and Furniture
Products - Requirement in Global Markets’ then ‘Chain of
Custody (CoC) Certification for Palm Oil Biomass
Products’ followed by a presentation on ‘Carbon Footprint
and Eco-Labelling Certifications’.

Nursyahida binti Mohd Ramli from the Malaysian Green
Technology and Climate Change Corporation (MGTC)
presented on MyHIJAU Mark Recognition Scheme for
Green Products and Services.

MyHIJAU Mark is Malaysia’s official green recognition
endorsed by the Government of Malaysia, bringing
together certified green products and services that meet
local and international environmental standards under one
single mark. The programme also featured a presentation
by Dr. Loh Yueh Feng from FIDEC on ‘Sustainability of
the Wood and Biocomposite Industry in Malaysia’.

See:
https://www.mtib.gov.my/muaturun/eMaskayu_Publication/eMaskayu_2023/eMaskayu%20Vol%2010_2023.pdf

Ringgit will strengthen - Central Bank
Bank Negara Deputy Governor, Datuk Marzunisham
Omar, has said the Bank is optimistic the ringgit will
strengthen towards the end of the year driven by structural
reforms and positive growth prospects and stressed that
based on the Bank’s imternal analysis the local currency is
undervalued.

The ringgit hit a 26-year low on 20 February, falling to
RM4.7965 against the US dollar, its weakest level since
the 1998 Asian financial crisis when it hit RM4.8850.

Marzunisham said household spending and private
consumption will remain the key drivers of growth with
favourable labour market wages anticipated to continue
improving which will provide support to household
spending , investment is also picking up, he added.

Malaysian Economic Association Deputy president
,Professor Dr. Yeah Kim Leng, noted that the ringgit is
relatively weak at the moment mainly because of the
interest rate differential between Malaysia and the US.

See: https://thesun.my/business/bank-negara-optimistic-ringgit-will-appreciate-GE12259852

Through the eyes of industry
The latest GTI report lists the challenges identified by the private
sector in Malasia.

https://www.itto-ggsc.org/static/upload/file/20240319/1710813683173232.pdf

4.  INDONESIA

  SVLK with geolocation verifier
An early March meeting of the Indonesia-EU Joint
Implementation Committee discussed cooperation on
improving law enforcement, governance and trade in the
forestry sector. The Director of Forest Product Processing
and Marketing at the Ministry, Krisdianto, revealed that
the SVLK continues to undergo development towards
improvement including the addition of rules regarding
geolocation.

The Indonesia Timber Legality Verification System
(SVLK) is an instrument to ensure wood products
originate from legal and sustainably managed forests.

The Acting Director General of Sustainable Forest
Management at the Ministry of Environment and Forestry,
Agus Justianto, told the meeting that Indonesia’s SVLK
has been recognised as an effective instrument to verify
the legality and sustainability of Indonesian wood
products.

The geolocation information will be integrated into
various forest product utilisation systems managed by
KLHK, such as the Forest Utilisation Business Control
Information System (SIPASHUT), the Forest Product
Administration Information System (SIPUHH), the Raw
Material Utilisation Plan Information System
(SIRPBBPHH) and the Timber Legality Information
System (SVLK).

In related news, the founder of the Indonesian Forestry
Certification Cooperation (IFCC), Dradjad Hari Wibowo,
has suggested the government must swiftly adapt to the
European Union Deforestation-free Regulation for
exported forest products.

Dradjad mentioned that the EUDR will be implemented in
December 2024 and that the IFCC is developing a draft
document and scheme that exporters can use as a
reference. This will enable exporters to obtain a geo-
location after a certification audit,” said Dradjad. The aim
is to assist exporters adapt to the EUDR regulations.

The Secretary General of the Ministry of Trade, Suhanto,
stated that the Ministry supports the efforts of the
Indonesian Forestry Certification Cooperation (IFCC)
while waiting for the European Union to establish
technical rules regarding EUDR as it is better for
Indonesia to prepare early.

Regarding the development of IFCC certification, Agus
Justianto, emphasised that, as a voluntary scheme, the
IFCC/EUDR certification must still comply with legality
aspects according to SVLK. “Voluntary certification must
ensure that all SVLK criteria and indicators are met in the
issuance of voluntary certificates.

See: https://forestinsights.id/svlk-has-geolocation-verifier-complies-with-eu-deforestation-regulation/

and
https://www.medcom.id/ekonomi/sustainability/aNr7Z1Vb-svlk-jamin-legalitas-dan-kelestarian-kayu-indonesia

 and
https://www.antaranews.com/berita/4018374/uni-eropa-buat-aturan-bebas-deforestasi-indonesia-diminta-antisipasi

Ministry asks furniture industry to track global trends
The Ministry of Industry has asked small and medium
furniture industry players to continue to innovate by
tracking global trends.

The ministry’s Director General of Small and Medium
industries, Reni Yanita, said that innovations can be driven
by exploring the cultures of Indonesia and incorporating
them in modern furniture. Through this, she said,
Indonesia could become a trendsetter in developing an
environment-oriented lifestyle and the furniture industry
business climate would improve.

To encourage small and medium furniture industry players
to further innovate the Ministry has been holding
exhibitions to increase the competitiveness of the sector.
One such exhibition, Jogja International Furniture and
Craft Fair Indonesia (JIFFINA), was held in March.

In the 2024 JIFFINA the Ministry of Industry organised a
business matching programme that brought together
prospective buyers and producers in the furniture sector.

It also invited small and medium furniture industry players
to participate in the procurement of goods and services for
the central government, regional governments, state-
owned enterprises (SOEs) and regional-owned enterprises
by getting a domestic component level (TKDN)
certificate.

See: https://en.antaranews.com/news/308550/ministry-asks-furniture-industry-to-innovate-follow-global-trends

Carbon market still sluggish
The Ministry of Environment and Forestry (KHLK) has
determined that the development of the carbon market
depends on promoting Indonesia's commitment to mitigate
climate change and reduce greenhouse gas (GHG)
emissions. The Ministry has indicated the carbon market
in Indonesia is still not optimal.

At an event on ‘Expanding Indonesia's Carbon Market:
Opportunities for Growth and Sustainability’ the Director
General of Climate Change Control at the Ministry of
Environment and Forestry, Laksmi Dwanthi, said
"Indonesia will never be able to increase the capacity of
our carbon market if we do not increase climate change
mitigation efforts”.

She added, “the carbon market is a tool for achieving
emission reduction targets adopted in Nationally
Determined Contribution (NDC). Indonesia has committed
to reducing its emissions target by 31.89% through own
efforts and the balance with international assistance”.

See: https://www.msn.com/id-id/ekonomi/ekonomi/klhk-ungkap-penyebab-pasar-karbon-indonesia-masih-lesu/ar-BB1kccHx

Through the eyes of industry
The latest GTI report lists the challenges identified by the private
sector in Indonesia.

https://www.itto-ggsc.org/static/upload/file/20240319/1710813683173232.pdf

5. MYANMAR

6. INDIA

  Rise in panel and sawnwood price inides
The annual rate of inflation based on the all India
Wholesale Price Index was 0.2% (Provisional) for
February 2024 (compared to January 2023). The positive
rate of inflation in February 2024 was primarily due to
increases in prices of food, crude petroleum and natural
gas, electricity, machinery and equipment and motor
vehicles, trailers and semi-trailers etc.

The index for manufactured products remained unchanged
at 139.8 in February. Out of the 22 two-digit groups for
manufactured products, 10 groups saw an increase in
prices whereas 8 groups saw a decline in prices and 4
groups remained constant.

Some of the important groups that showed month on
month increases in prices were textiles, pharmaceuticals,
medices, chemical and botanical products, motor vehicles,
electrical equipment and tobacco products. Some of the
groups that witnessed a decrease in prices were metal and
non-metallic mineral products, fabricated metal products
and rubber and plastic products.

The sawnwood and wood panel indices in February rose
significantly month on month and the wood veneer index
also rose but not as sharply.

See: https://eaindustry.nic.in/pdf_files/cmonthly.pdf

SMEs need affordable credit and marketing support
Merchandise exports are expected to come in at US$450
billion by the end of this fiscal year despite geo-political
challenges such as the Red Sea shipping crisis, according
to the newly elected president of the Federation of Indian
Export Organisations (IEO), Ashwani Kumar. He said that
the exporting sector, particularly MSMEs, need affordable
credit and marketing support to further boost the country's
exports.

India recorded the highest monthly exports in fiscal 2023
in February registering an almost 12% growth mainly
driven by increased shipments of engineering goods,
electronic items and pharma products.

Read more at:
https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/economy/foreign-trade/indias-exports-may-reach-450-billion-this-fiscal-new-fieo-president/articleshow/108609515.cms?tm_source=contentofinte
rest&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=cppst

SMEs given time to prepare for QCO
An announcement from the Department for Promotion of
Industry and Internal Trade, Ministry of Commerce and
Industry says that the implementation of the Quality
Control Order (QCO) for mandatory BIS on panels and
other wood products will be delayed.

This comes as a relief for local manufacturers and
importers. This is because the time was too short
particularly for the ‘unorganised’ manufacturers who will
be required to apply for the certification after adjusting
their production processes and introducing testing to meet
the new Standards

See:https://egazette.gov.in/(S(blb1llyrkm4jnctjtmt12mrq))/SearchGazetteID.aspx?id=593392

and
https://egazette.gov.in/(S(blb1llyrkm4jnctjtmt12mrq))/SearchGazetteID.aspx?id=593392

Heat waves and intense rainfall a feature in 2023
The 11th edition of the ‘State of India’s
Environment’ series provides the latest update on
environment-related events and developments. This
document is an annual publication from the Centre for
Science and Environment (CSE) the Down To
Earth magazine.

India witnessed extreme weather events almost every day
in the first nine months of 2023, thanks to record-breaking
temperatures and rainfall, says the report from the Centre
for Science and Environment. More than 3,200 people
died and around 2 million hectares of cropland were
damaged.

Extreme weather events broke several records in India last
year says the report. India witnessed its warmest ever
August and September in 122 years according to the
Indian Meteorological Department and February 2023 was
also the warmest on record since 1901.

In many areas there was lass rain. South India received its
lowest June rainfall in over 120 years due to several
factors including the interactions of wind directions and
cyclone “Biparjoy”, an extremely severe cyclone that
disrupted the monsoon in some parts of India, while
bringing heat waves simultaneously to other regions.

Central India received the lowest rainfall ever since 1901
and India’s northwest experienced a 76% rainfall deficit.

Rise in forest land diverted to other uses
In India, while the number of environmental crimes
decreased a report from the Ministry of Environment,
Forest and Climate Change found that 17,381 hectares of
forestland was diverted for non-forestry purposes in 2022-
23, under the Forest Conservation Act (FCA), 1980. This
is a rise of 3.5% than when compared to 2021-22.

More than half of these diversions occurred for road
construction, mining activities and transmission line
development. This was before the implementation of the
latest amendment to forestry regulations that will, among
other things, weaken the protection that the Forestry Act
offers.

Once the new Act comes into force some have raised
concerns that more forestland could be diverted for non-
forestry use. However, a recent interim order by the
Supreme Court that seeks to prevent the diversion of such
forests has brought hope to conservationists.

See: https://www.cseindia.org/state-of-india-s-environment-2024-11989

7. VIETNAM

  Wood and wood product (W&WP) trade highlights
The General Department of Customs has reported W&WP
exports to Canada in February 2024 were valued at
US$10.2 million, down 26% compared to February 2023.
In the first 2 months of 2024 W&WP exports to Canada
totaled US$36 million, up 47% over the same period in
2023.

In February 2024 the exports of kitchen furniture earned
US$65 million, down 1% compared to February 2023. In
the first 2 months of 2024 exports of kitchen furniture
earned US$192 million, up 51% compared to 2023.

Vietnam's poplar wood imports in February 2024
amounted to 17,000 cu.m, worth US$6.8 million, down
44.3% in volume and 44.4% in value compared to January
2024. However, compared to February 2023 earnings were
up 24% in volume and 14% in value. In the first 2 months
of 2024 imports of this item reached 47,700 cu.m, worth
US$19.1 million, up 98% in volume and 85% in value
over the same period in 2023.

Vietnam’s imports of wood raw material from Southeast
Asia in February 2024 totalled 46,000 cu.m with a value
of US$13.0 million, down 49% in volume and 49% in
value compared to January 2024 and down 34% in volume
and 31% in value compared to February 2023.

Imports of wood raw material from SE Asia
Imports from the Southeast Asia in January 2024 soared
to the highest level in the past 14 months reaching 90,440
cu.m at a value of US$25.23 million, up 10% in volume
and 11% in value compared to December 2023 and up
seven times higher in volume and almost double the value
compared to January 2023.

Imports in February amounted to 46,000 cu.m worth
US$13.0 million, down 49% in volume and 49% in value
compared to January 2024 and down 34% in volume and
31% in value compared to February 2023.

In the first 2 months of 2024 imports of wood raw material
from Southeast Asia stood at 136,440 cu.m with a value of
US$38.0 million, up 46% in volume and 35% in value
over the same period in 2023.

Suppliers in SE Asia
Among ASEAN countries Thailand was the largest
supplier of wood raw materials to Vietnam in January
2024 reaching 54,075 cu.m at a value of US$10.73
million, up 7% in volume and 6% in value compared to
December 2023 and up significantly higher (a factor of 10
times) compared to January 2023.

The top 3 wood products imported from Thailand in
January 2024 were particleboard, fibreboard and
sawnwood. In particular, particleboard imports increased
compared to December 2023, while imports of fibreboard
and sawnwood imports dropped.

The second largest supplier in January was Laos at 24,340
cu.m worth US$10.98 million, up 17% in volume and 18%
in value compared to December 2023 and an increase of
81% in volume and 63% in value compared to January
2023.

Sawnwood was the main wood product imported from
Laos market in January accounting for 86% of the total
wood imported from Laos at 20,870 cu.m worth US$10.29
million, up 18% in volume and 19% in value compared to
December 2023.

Thailand was the main supplier of fibreboard to Vietnam
in January accounting for 98% of total imports with a
minor imports from Singapore, Indonesia and Malaysia.

Imports of wood raw material from Malaysia in January
came to 8,300 cu.m with a value of US$2.32 million, up
10% in volume and 9% in value compared to December
2023 and up 59% in volume and 131% in value compared
to January 2023.

Sawnwood and particleboard are the main products
imported from the Malaysia. Imports of these two items in
January 2024 increased sharply compared to December
2023 as well as compared to January 2023.

Laos was the largest supplier of sawnwood to Vietnam in
January 2024 followed by Malaysia, Thailand and
Cambodia. January imports from Laos, Malaysia and
Cambodia increased against December 2023 while
sawnwood imports from Thailand decreased. 



China Vietnam's largest wood chip export market
Vietnam exported wood chips to 13 markets in 2023.
China, Japan and the Republic of Korea were the country's
three main wood chip export markets. Vietnam exported
over 9.38 million tonnes of wood chips to China in 2023
worth over US$1.43 billion and accounting for 65% in
volume and 65% in value of chip sales.

In the Chinese market the average FOB price for wood
chips dropped from US$183-185 per tonne at the
beginning of last year to less than US$140 per tonne by
the middle of the year after which prices improved slightly
to around US$150 per tonne.

The second market was Japan and here the FOB price for
wood chips declined by up to US$36 per tonne last year.
Specifically, the price of wood chips in this market was
US$181 per tonne in January last year but had fallen to
US$145 by December.

Wood chip exports to South Korea reached 548,590 tonnes
worth US$91.88 million accounting for 4% of export
volumes.

As was the case in the Chinese and Japanese markets,
export prices to South Korea dropped by around
US$27 per tonne last year with strong fluctuations during
the year. The market recorded an average export price of
US$200 per tonne in January 2023 but the price decreased
continuously to bottom out at US$136 but bounced back to
US$172 in the last months of the year.

The Vietnam Timber and Forest Product Association has
suggested demand for imported wood chips in China
would tend to continue to decline in the short term leading
to a decline in chip export prices in this market.

The Association said the export market structure for wood
chips will not change significantly in the near future.

However, the wood chip industry in Vietnam will continue
to compete for raw materials with the pellet industry
especially in the northern provinces because plantation
wood is the main input for both industries in this area.

The Association added, businesses and management
agencies need to consider investing in building up raw
material sources to ensure a stable supply for production
and export.

See: https://english.vov.vn/en/economy/china-becomes-vietnams-largest-wood-chip-export-market-post1083618.vov

Vietnam to auction 5 million tonnes of carbon credits
The Vietnamese Government intends to auction
approximately five million tonnes of carbon credits
through international trading platforms.

This information was outlined in a report sent by the
Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MARD)
to the Prime Minister regarding the implementation status
of the Emission Reductions Payment Agreement (ERPA)
in the North Central Region and the proposal to dispose of
the surplus credits for the period of 2018-2019.

Last October the World Bank confirmed Vietnam's
emission reduction of 16.21 million tonnes. Of this
amount, Vietnam received a payment of VND1.25 trillion
(around US$28 million) from the Bank for reducing 10.3
million tonnes of carbon emissions between 1 February
2018 and 31 December 2019.

Of the excess 5.9 million tonnes of carbon credits the
Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MARD)
plans to sell 1 million to the World Bank while the rest
will be auctioned through international trading platforms.

The Ministry plans to seek the World Bank's assistance to
find potential buyers under the established ERPA or assist
Vietnam in contacting pilot auctions through international
trading platforms.

Vietnam has received US$51.5 million for verified
emission reduction results from the WB, due to forest loss
limitations, forest degradation and increased carbon
storage through afforestation and reforestation.

See: https://hanoitimes.vn/vietnam-receives-us515-million-from-world-bank-for-forest-emission-reduction-326393.html

and
https://hanoitimes.vn/vietnam-plans-to-auction-5-million-tons-of-carbon-credits-326417.html

Vietnam has the potential to generate annual revenues of
US$200 million by selling approximately 40 million
carbon credits according to calculations by the Department
of Forestry, as reported by the local media.

The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development has
outlined seven targets and 11 solutions for forestry
management this year.

Key priorities include finalising the national forestry plan
and providing support to companies transitioning from
production to forestry businesses.

See: https://carbonherald.com/vietnam-may-earn-200m-per-year-from-selling-carbon-credits/

and
https://carbonherald.com/vietnam-wraps-up-51-5m-carbon-credits-sale-to-world-bank/

8. BRAZIL

  Forest industries to have ABNT certification
If negotiations go well the Brazilian forest sector will have
its products certified by the Brazilian Association of
Technical Standards (ABNT). During the ‘Sustainable
Wood Forum’ held in Rio de Janeiro 14 March 2024
representatives of the Center for Timber Producing and
Exporting Industries of Mato Grosso State (CIPEM), the
National Forum of Forest-Based Activities (FNBF) and
the Federation of Industries of Mato Grosso State
(FIEMT) met with ABNT to continue negotiations on the
new certification process.

According to FIEMT, ABNT launched ‘Technical
Standard PR 1020’ related to the process for verifying the
traceability of the origin of wood in December 2023 and
stressed that the focus is now on creating a certification
seal for companies that meet this Standard.

CIPEM pointed out that timber from the state of Mato
Grosso complies with a strict traceability process
guaranteed by a chain of custody system among other
tools such as the System for the Trading and
Transportation of Forest Products (Sisflora 2.0) and the
Forest Origin Document (DOF+ Traceability) of the
Federal government which aims to control and certify the
origin of timber from natural forests along the supply
chain.

ABNT certification seeks, not only to benefit the segment
in the state of Mato Grosso, but the entire country through
the traceability process. FNBF emphasised that the aim of
certification is to raise competitiveness and market
recognition through applying sound environmental and
social conditions for logging, processing and the transport
of wood.

See: https://simenorte.com.br/noticias/industrias-de-base-florestal-de-mato-grosso-fomentam-o-setor-em-eventos-no-rio-de-janeiro-2/

Sustainable forest management for a green economy
Timber from areas with Sustainable Forest Management
Plans can be used in various stages of civil construction.
As a resistant and versatile material the use of wood helps
mitigate the climate crisis as it is a natural and renewable
material.

The use of wood products is a viable option in
construction especially with the new products, such as
Glued Laminated Timber, which makes it possible to
replace concrete and steel in buildings. According to the
Ministry of the Environment, wooden buildings cost 30%
less than masonry. Wood offers environmental gains
through the absorption of CO2 which is stored in the
building itself.

The Mato Grosso State Environment Secretariat points out
that by increasing the area under forest management plans
to 3.6 million hectares by 2050 the state of Mato Grosso
will be able to reduce CO2 emissions by approximately 1
million tonnes, an essential step for the state to neutralise
carbon emissions.

See:
https://www.yumpu.com/pt/document/read/68646578/florestal-260web

Export update
In February 2024 Brazilian exports of wood-based
products (except pulp and paper) increased 16% in value
compared to February 2023 from US$262.2 million to
US$304.2 million.

Pine sawnwood exports increased 9% in value between
February 2023 (US$50.9 million) and February 2024
(US$55.6 million). In volume, exports increased 15.5%
over the same period from 215,200 cu.m to 248,600 cu.m.

However, tropical sawnwood exports declined 12.5% in
volume, from 24,000 cu.m in February 2023 to 21,000
cu.m in February 2024. In value, exports fell 18% from
US$12.7 million to US$10.4 million, over the same
period.

Pine plywood exports increased 10% in value in February
2024 (US$57.1 million) compared to February 2023
(US$51.7 million). In volume, exports increased 9% over
the same period, from 165,700 cu.m (February 2023) to
180,300 cu.m. (February 2024).

Exports of tropical plywood dropped 61% in volume and
by 52% invalue from 4,600 cu.m and US$2.1 million in
February 2023 to 1,800 cu.m and US$1.0 million in
February 2024, respectively.

On a brighter note, exports of wooden furniture increased
from US$38.6 million in February 2023 to US$45.9
million in February 2024, an increase of 19%.

Chile - a strategic market for the Brazilian furniture
industries
Chile has been gaining prominence as an important
consumer of Brazilian furniture. Considered one of the
most dynamic economies in Latin America, Chilean
families spend an average of 5.25% of their income on
furniture, according to IEMI (Inteligência de Mercado).

Indicators point to significant growth in demand for
furniture in the country driven by rising living standards
and an expanding consumer market. Due to the limited
production of furniture in Chile the market presents good
opportunities for Brazilian manufacturers.

In 2022, Chilean furniture imports totalled approximately
US$592 million. This was 22% less than the previous
year. , Brazilian furniture exports to Chile peaked in 2021
reaching US$109.2 million for the year. In 2022, however,
there was a sharp drop in the value of imports.

With the elimination of customs tariffs for furniture traded
among the member countries of the free trade agreement
between Chile and Mercosur the Brazilian furniture sector
has an even greater opportunity in the Chilean market.

With short and medium-term growth potential estimated at
US$57.6 million, Brazilian exports to Chile represent a
strategic opportunity for companies in the furniture sector,
especially medium and small-sized companies looking to
expand their international sales.

See: https://forestnews.com.br/chile-mercado-estrategico-industria-moveleira/

Positive timber sector trade balance in Santa Catarina
The timber sector was one of the positive sectors in terms
of trade balance in the State of Santa Catarina in the
southern region of Brazil having boosted sales by around
30% in January 2024 compared to the same period in
2023. The Federation of Industries of Santa Catarina State
(FIESC) points out that the sector is representative of
Santa Catarina's exports and the gradual recovery of sales
abroad is reflected in the maintenance and creation of jobs.

Exports of furniture in January totalled US$19.2 million,
sawnwood US$25.8 million and carpentry US$24 million.
According to FIESC, the positive performance of the
furniture sector was due to firm demand in the US and
reflects the increase in short-term demand from single-
family homes and the impact of US government incentives
for civil construction.

The United States continued to be the main destination for
exports from Santa Catarina state in January 2024, with
purchases 17% higher than in January 2023.

See: https://www.remade.com.br/noticias/19787/motores-e-produtos-de-madeira-sao-destaques-nas-exportacoes-de-janeiro

Through the eyes of industry
The latest GTI report lists the challenges identified by the private
sector in Brazil.

https://www.itto-ggsc.org/static/upload/file/20240319/1710813683173232.pdf

9. PERU

  Forestry and wildlife regulations explained to private
owners
The Forestry and Wildlife Resources Supervision Agency
(OSINFOR) briefed holders of forestry permit titles on
private properties and forest concessionaires in Atalaya on
forestry and wildlife regulations. 24 participants were
trained on the necessity to comply with regulations for
more effective and responsible forest management.

During the workshop the roles and functions of regulatory
entities such as the Regional Forestry and Wildlife
Authority (ARFFS), FEMA and OSINFOR were
explained to participants. The workshop focused on
explaining the supervision process and how they can
voluntarily correct some deficiencies during forest
management.

Exports did not start the year well
The Extractive Services and Industries Management of the
Association of Exporters (ADEX) has reported shipments
of Peruvian wood products in January 2024 were valued at
US$5.95 million, a drop of around 25% compared to the
same month in 2023 (US$7.91 million).

This result is explained by the slower demand from China
where imports from Peru went from US$1.78 million in
January 2023 to just US$0.75 million in January of this
year.

In January exports to France were worth US$0.78 million
an over 50% decline followed by the Dominican Republic
(US$0.77 million, -11%), Mexico (US$0.76 million, -
15%) and the United States (US$0.71 million,
-31%).

Completing the top ten export markets were Chile
(US$0.64 million), Vietnam (US$0.36 million), Denmark
(US$0.23 million), Belgium (US$0.18 million) and the
United Arab Emirates (US$0.15 million). It should be
noted that demand in Chile and Denmark rose.

According to the ADEX Data Trade Intelligence System
sawnwood (US$2.51 million) led exports, accounting for
42% of the total export value, a year on year drop of 6.2%.

Other export products were ‘other wood sawn or chipped
longitudinally’ (US$0.56 million), ‘other sawn or chipped
pine wood’ (US$0.44 million) and ‘sawn wood of tropical
wood’ (US$0.17 million).

Exports of semi-manufactured products earned US$1.89
million despite suffering a drop of -54%. Profiled wood
(except ipe) and moulded wood stood out (US$1.64
million), molded wood of tropical wood (except ipe)
(US$0.48 million) and slats and friezes for unassembled
parquet floors (US$0.41 million).

In addition, exports of furniture and parts earned US$0.45
million, firewood and charcoal (US$0.44 million),
manufactured products (US$0.22 million), construction
products (US$0.21 million), fibreboards and particleboard
(US$0.16 million).

SERFOR seeks improvement in management plan
approvals
The National Forestry and Wildlife Service (SERFOR)
organised workshops to identify bottlenecks and propose
alternatives for improvements to the process for approval
of Forest Management Plans.

The workshops brought together representatives of the
Regional Forestry and Wildlife Authority of Loreto,
Madre de Dios and Ucayali, the National Service of the
National Service of Natural Areas Protected by the State
(Sernanp), the Agency for the Supervision of Forestry
Resources and Wildlife (Osinfor) and the Ministry of the
Environment (MINAM), entities that participate directly
and indirectly in the evaluation, approval and supervision
of forest management plans.

As a result of this proposals to simplify speed up the
processes were agreed upon. The workshops were held
with the support of the Executive Board for the
Development of the Forestry Sector of the Ministry of
Economy and Finance (MEF) and the Forest+ Project of
the Technical Cooperation of USAID and the U.S. Forest
Service.

New initiative on gender equality
The National Forestry and Wildlife Service (SERFOR)
held an event: ‘8M, Always visible: contribution of
women in the forestry and wildlife sector’ in early March
in commemoration of International Women's Day.

At the event SERFOR launched an initiative on Gender
Equality in response to the need to include the diversity of
women and the knowledge and different visions of women
that contribute to the management of resources.

See:https://www.gob.pe/institucion/serfor/noticias/920967-serfor-anuncia-conformacion-de-comite-para-la-igualdad-de-genero-que-impulsara-la-labor-de-las-women-in-the-sector

During the event the role of women in the forestry and
wildlife sector in Peru was reported and through their
diverse experiences they identified the gaps to be closed
regarding equality and recognition of the current role of
women in forestry sector activities for the benefit of all
Peruvians.

In the forestry and wildlife sector, according to the study:
“Challenges of female employment in the Peruvian
forestry sector - A first approximation” published by
SERFOR in 2021, women find few incentives to follow
professions related to the sector due because the
perception is that forestry is a man’s job. This perception
was dismantled.

Ucayali concludes forest zoning
Thanks to the work of the Regional Government of
Ucayali with the technical assistance of the National
Forestry and Wildlife Service (SERFOR) the Ministry of
Agrarian Development and Irrigation (MIDAGRI) the
forest zoning (ZF) for the Department of Ucayali was
approved.

This marks an important step in the territorial planning in
this region. Ucayali is the second largest Department in
the country after Loreto and one of the largest producers
of forest products. According to the ZF, the forest area
covers 9,849,351 hectares extending over around 94% of
the Department. Permanent production zones comprise
56% of the Department.

The category Special Treatment zones cover 8.6% of the
Department and include reserves for indigenous peoples,
agroforestry and silvopastoral zones, residual or remnant
forest zones and non-forest plant zones.
.
See: https://www.gob.pe/institucion/serfor/noticias/920908-ucayali-concluye-la-zonificacion-forestal-de-todo-su-territorio

Proposals for the National Forestry and Wildlife Policy
2030
The National Forestry and Wildlife Service (SERFOR)
conducted a series of presentations on the proposed new
National Forestry and Wildlife Policy (PNFFS) for 2030
to various key actors in the sector.

If approved the PNFFS will have a positive impact on the
more than 72 million hectares of forest that the country
has (more than 60% of the national territory) and ensure
its conservation. This transparent and participatory process
contributes to articulating efforts for the subsequent design
and implementation of the new policy.

In January and February the PNFFS proposal was
presented to the representatives of the National Forestry
and Wildlife Management System (SINAFOR), the
National Chamber of Commerce, Production, Tourism and
Services (PERUCAMÁRAS), the Confederation National
of Private Business Institutions (CONFIEP) and the
Association of Exporters (ADEX).

See: https://www.gob.pe/institucion/serfor/noticias/920485-actores-claves-del-sector-conocen-y-aportan-en-la-propuesta-de-la-politica-nacional-forestal-y- of-wildlife-by-2030