Investigation on sawn timber export by Sri Lanka during the period 2007 to 2017

Abstract

Information on timber export is important for sustainable forest management and support market access. The study covers the analysis of timber export for a period of ten years from 2007 to 2017. The data were analyzed based on volume exported. The trends of timber export were revealed by analysis done based on timber species and country to which timber was exported. Export data were taken from Sri Lanka Custom for past 10 consecutive years. Net weight of these timbers was converted into volume in cubic meters (𝑚!). The results revealed that the highest total volume of timber has been exported in the year 2017 and it was 34% of the total timber volume exported during the 10 year study period. Hevea brasiliensis (Rubber), Gravillea robusta (Sabbukku), Tectona grandis (Teak) and Pinus spp: (Pine) were the four major species exported and the amount exported under those species is 92% of the total timber export during the period.. Listea gardneri (Thulang), Cocos nucifera (Coconut), Swietenia microphyla/ Swetenia macrophylla (Mahogany), Koompassia malaccensis (Kempus), Albizzia spp: (Mara/Rata Mara), Michelia champaca (Ginisapu), Durio zibethinus (Durian), Eucalyptus Grandis (Grandis), Alstonia macrophylla (Alastonia), Macaran gepeltata (Kanda) and Terminalia arjuna (Kumbuk) were the other timber species exported. Sri Lanka’s top four sawn timber export destinations were China, India, Australia and Maldives. This accounted about 90% of total exports in past 10 years. China was the highest importer of Sri Lanka’s sawn timber. Demand of China had been increasing in every year. Huge economic ascent has occurred after 2014 in sawn timber exports. This is due to the high demand for timber of Rubber from China. Overall the export of Sri Lankan sawn timber showed huge economic ascent in recent years. The trend was variable and unstable in the period considered.