The first data before and after the introduction of the EUTR revealed a surge in imports of plywood in January and February, then a 20% fall to only 150,000m3 in March, reports the International Tropical Timber Organisation.
The March figure is significantly lower than normal for the time of year, the ITTO said, and supports the decline in construction activity.
However, the ITTO is questioning whether the surge in imports to beat the EUTR deadline and the subsequent decline is indicative of a long-term trend or a time in which the excess stock has to go through the supply chain.
The signs so far are that the larger Chinese manufacturers are adapting quickly to the EUTR.