China has one of the most rapidly growing import markets for forestry products in the world. Most of the imported raw timber is processed by the Chinese timber market and exported again, primarily to the USA and Europe.

The timber trade with Africa is still in its infancy but has enourmous growth potential. Like other import markets, China`s timber market in Africa provides itself with cut-price raw material in the form of roundwood. This hinders the development of value-adding potential in Africa.

Types of behaviour in the area of governance that development organisations, civil society and parts of the private sector have been trying to counter for many years are now coming to the fore. Chines companies – like those from other countries – exploit legal loopholes or gaps in law enforcement for their own advantage.

The way to change the current trend is by supporting processes in Africa that aim to improve good governance. Other avenues exist through critical political dialogue at international level (e.g. G8, UNFF, ITTO), at regional level (e.g. CBFP, COMIFAC, ENA-FLEG) as well as in national policy fora and consultancy contexts. Further options include market regulation measures (imposed either voluntarily or through regulatory law and trade policy), a much improved data basis and better coordination between consumer countries.

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  entwicklung und ländlicher raum 4/2007