Enviro News Asia, Yokohama — The global timber sector recorded modest growth in several countries in March 2026, despite mounting pressures on supply chains and rising operational costs, according to the latest Global Timber Index Report supported by the International Tropical Timber Organization.
Among the ten pilot countries assessed, China, Thailand, Ecuador, and Republic of the Congo recorded index readings above the 50 percent threshold, signaling expansion in their timber sectors. In contrast, Brazil, Ghana, and Mexico experienced moderate contraction, while Indonesia, Gabon, and Malaysia reported more significant slowdowns.
The report highlighted relatively strong performance in Asia, where harvesting volumes increased in Indonesia and Thailand, while production output and new orders rose in Thailand and China.
Subsector analysis showed mixed results. The GTI-Woodbased Panel Index stood at 50.7 percent, indicating stable conditions, while the GTI-Producers Index registered 46.0 percent, pointing to weakness in timber production.
Rising geopolitical tensions, particularly in the Middle East, contributed to increased fuel prices across many pilot countries, driving up costs for harvesting, transportation, processing, and export logistics. These disruptions also led to shipping delays, route changes, and in some cases, order cancellations.
In response, timber operators have adopted mitigation strategies such as diversifying export markets, exploring alternative logistics routes, renegotiating contracts, and urging governments to stabilize fuel prices and provide industry support.
The report also emphasized ongoing efforts to improve timber traceability. Thailand is advancing systems aligned with the European Union Deforestation Regulation, while Gabon has announced plans for a national data center to ensure full traceability from forest sites to export ports.
Looking ahead, the Global Legal and Sustainable Timber Forum 2026 will convene in Macao SAR on 22–23 September 2026, focusing on innovation and resilience in the global timber industry. (*)
