US imports of sawn tropical hardwood rose by 22% in April, returning to the strong import volume seen in the first two months of the year. April volumes of 22,960 cubic metres were the second highest in more than two years, with only this January being higher, as ITTO reported.
Import volumes are ahead of 2018 by 23% year to date. Imports from Brazil, Cameroon, Congo (Brazzaville), and Malaysia all gained in April and are well ahead of 2018 year to date.
Imports from Ecuador, which had been outpacing last year’s volume, fell by 26% in April to now lag behind 2018 by 4% year to date. Imports of Acajou d’Afrique were up 61% in April and are more than doubling 2018 volume year to date.
Sapelli, teak, ipe, keruing, and virola imports all improved in April and are outpacing 2018 totals year to date. Imports of Balsa fell by 27% in April and are now 4% behind 2018 year to date.
