The European Association has called for restrictions on the export of oak logs
In 2022, European oak log exports to China increased dramatically, prompting a series of European forest products associations to make efforts to show the European Commission (EC) that such trade "has reached unsustainable levels and has the potential to jeopardize the viability of forest products". (EU) Industry".
These efforts are facilitated by the Van Bael and Bellis law firm carried out by EOS in partnership with the European Paneling Federation (EPF), the European Parquet Industry Federation (FEP), the European Furniture Industry Federation (EFIC), the European Office Furniture Federation (FEMB) and Federlegno in Italy.
According to EOS, to date, the European Commission has not been convinced of the need to restrict the export of oak logs for the following reasons:
There is a risk of retaliation, as China may take steps in response to any action (including the woodworking and other sectors) that restricts log exports.
Chinese operators or Europeans acting on their behalf have expanded the number of possible customers for forest owners: therefore, what is bad for the wood processing industry is good for forest owners. This is the result of the market. The European Commission therefore recommends that European industry negotiate with forest owners and find solutions locally.
The EU has yet to receive factual evidence of a serious shortage of an essential product, and EU interests demand immediate intervention.
The investigation by the European Commission's Beijing office found no evidence that China's log import trade and related processing industries are being subsidized in violation of WTO rules.
EOS noted, however, that the European Commission is "interested in continuing discussions and cannot completely rule out actions to restrict the export of logs."
