Key messages:
- China is the most significant importer of roundwood and sawnwood from six countries that have signed a Forest Law Enforcement, Governance and Trade (FLEGT) Voluntary Partnership Agreement (VPA) with the EU. However, the total volume and value of trade between China and these countries represents only a fraction of China’s total roundwood and sawnwood imports.
- Discrepancies exist between VPA exporters’ reports and China’s import records, indicating that there is undocumented and some potentially illegal trade.VPA countries, except for the Central African Republic, are among China’s major overseas forestry investment destinations.
- China is increasing its efforts to regulate business behaviour to improve the image of Chinese entrepreneurs and investors abroad.
- A major goal of the EU FLEGT Action Plan is to provide VPA countries with the means to address legality and governance challenges. China is urged to provide technical assistance and resources to support the development of Timber Legality Assurance Systems in VPA countries.