Export-oriented Brazilian furniture manufacturers are importing certified timber from the United States rather than using wood of questionable origin produced domestically, reports the International Tropical Timber Organization (ITTO) in its bimonthly update.
The ITTO reports that some Brazilian furniture makers are importing walnut, ash, oak, maple, and tulip wood from the United States, especially “when the final product is exported to the international markets where the use of certified timber is necessary.”
The ITTO says that ready and year-round access to certified timber are reasons why Brazilian firms are importing wood from the U.S.
Brazil is the world’s largest producer of tropical wood but inconsistent governance in the sector and seasonal fluctuations in supply availability have created problems for some exporters. A series of corruption scandals has reduced confidence in local certification systems among some buyers. However the timber sector in the Brazilian state of Pará is working to improve the credibility of traceability systems.
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