2018年-查塔姆研究所_An_Analysis_of_Trade_in_Five_CITES-listed_Taxa_61页_2mb

Summary of Trade in Five CITES-listed Timber Taxa

Core Content

This paper provides an analysis of trade in five CITES-listed timber species: Ramin (Gonystylus spp.), Rosewood (Dalbergia spp.), Mahogany (Swietenia macrophylla), Afrormosia (Pericopsis elata), and Red Cedar (Cedrela odorata). The study covers trade trends from 2002 to 2011, with a focus on global and EU trade, and includes an assessment of illegal trade activities.

Main Species and CITES Listings

• Ramin (Gonystylus spp.): Listed in CITES Appendix II (since 2005) and Appendix III (by Indonesia in 2001).
• Rosewood (Dalbergia spp.): Includes species in Appendices I, II, and III. Notably:
  • Dalbergia nigra (Brazilian Rosewood) is listed in Appendix I since 1992.
  • Several species are listed in Appendix II (e.g., D. cochinchinensis, D. granadillo, D. retusa, D. stevensonii).
  • D. dariensis is listed in Appendix III in Panama (2011).
• Mahogany (Swietenia macrophylla): Listed in Appendix II.
• Afrormosia (Pericopsis elata): Listed in Appendix II.
• Red Cedar (Cedrela odorata): Listed in Appendix III.

Trade Overview

Global and EU Trade

• Ramin: The EU is a major importer, with the Netherlands accounting for the majority of imports. Global trade in Ramin declined from 30,000–40,000 m³ annually (2002–07) to 3,000–5,000 m³ in 2011. There were significant spikes in trade volumes in 2007 (kg) and 2008–09 (m³).
• Rosewood: Trade data are patchy, with limited species-level information. However, Dalbergia nigra (Brazilian Rosewood) has seen a decline in trade, largely involving pre-Convention specimens. Trade in other Rosewood species is less documented.
• Mahogany: The EU is a minor importer, but trade reports show discrepancies between customs and CITES data, with EU re-exports exceeding imports.
• Afrormosia: Trade has declined over the past decade, though volumes remain high. There are significant discrepancies between exporter and importer data, with Indonesia and Malaysia reporting higher trade volumes than the EU.
• Red Cedar: Trade has declined, but there are still large spikes in certain years. The EU reports higher import levels than its trading partners.

Trade Units and Reporting

• Trade is reported in m³, kg, shipments, or no unit.
• CITES data include all export and import permits and certificates.
• UN Comtrade and Eurostat provide customs data but lack species-level breakdowns.
• For Mahogany, a specific six-digit HS code (440721) allows for detailed analysis, while other forms of Mahogany (logs, plywood) are not well captured in customs data.

Key Issues in Trade

• Discrepancies in Data: There are significant differences between data reported by exporters and importers, particularly for Ramin, Mahogany, and Red Cedar. These discrepancies may indicate unreported or illegal trade.
• Illegal Trade: Confiscated or seized specimens are recorded in CITES data (Code I), EU-TWIX, and TRAFFIC Bulletins. Examples include:
  • Large seizures of carvings, bowls, and paint brushes in the EU.
  • Smuggling of logs between Indonesia and Malaysia in 2004.
• EU Regulations: The EU Timber Regulation (EUTR) requires due diligence to prevent illegal timber from entering the market. However, commercial trade in Appendix I species (like Brazilian Rosewood) is prohibited, though some exemptions exist.
• Import Permits: The EU requires import permits for CITES-listed timber, but many operators are unaware of these requirements, leading to illegal imports.

EU Imports

• The EU imports all five species, with Ramin being the most significant.
• Netherlands is the main importer of Ramin, accounting for 92% of m³ imports and 69% of kg imports during 2002–11.
• Re-exports of Ramin are reported from mainland China, Singapore, Germany, and Italy.
• Intra-EU trade is suspected, with re-exporters including Germany, Italy, Spain, and the UK.

Conclusion

The study highlights the complexity of CITES trade reporting, especially in the timber sector, and the challenges in monitoring and enforcing regulations. While trade in some species has declined, spikes in certain years suggest ongoing illegal or unregulated activities. The EU plays a central role in importing these species, but data inconsistencies and lack of transparency remain major concerns. Legal trade is often underreported, and illegal trade is difficult to quantify, but seizures and non-compliance with CITES requirements indicate a persistent issue. The paper underscores the need for improved data accuracy, enforcement, and awareness among traders and authorities.