The Economics of the Tropical Timber Trade

Based on a study prepared for the International Tropical Timber Organization, this work examines current and future market conditions in the tropical timber trade, links between the trade and deforestation, and the role of trade policies in achieving sustainable forest management. Using extensive case studies, the authors argue that market distortions along the trading chain from forest to consumer encourage excessive deforestation. They describe what measures can be taken to correct these distortions and contribute towards good forest management practices.