WWF-UK: EU wood imports
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EU wood imports
The EU annually imports a total of 198 million cubic meters of timber and wood-based products (roundwood equivalents). About half of this is imported from Russia and EU accession and candidate countries, and about 20% is imported from countries in Africa, Asia and South America.
The European Commission has estimated that up to 50% of the tropical wood imported to the EU has been sourced illegally. WWF has estimated that more than 25% of the wood imported from Northwest Russia may be illegal. World Bank figures have shown that an estimated €10-15 billion per annum is lost on illegal logging each year and the EU is responsible for probably well in excess of €3 billion of this.
Illegal logging is also a significant problem in several of the new EU member states and in EU candidate countries. WWF therefore calls on the EU to urgently address illegal logging within the new EU Member States.
The European Commission has estimated that up to 50% of the tropical wood imported to the EU has been sourced illegally. WWF has estimated that more than 25% of the wood imported from Northwest Russia may be illegal. World Bank figures have shown that an estimated €10-15 billion per annum is lost on illegal logging each year and the EU is responsible for probably well in excess of €3 billion of this.
Illegal logging is also a significant problem in several of the new EU member states and in EU candidate countries. WWF therefore calls on the EU to urgently address illegal logging within the new EU Member States.
