EUDR Triggers Furniture Crisis: 50% of imports under threat

Posted on July 19, 2024   |  

Over half of Europe’s timber furniture imports, totaling more than 1 billion tonnes, are at risk due to the EU's swift implementation of the EUDR.

With less than 6 months until the December 30 deadline, countries in ASEAN, including China, Vietnam, and Indonesia, are looking for new markets outside Europe.

The timber furniture sector is highly affected by the EUDR, with warnings that imports from Ukraine, Europe’s third-largest market, are considered “high risk.”

China represents over 40% of Europe’s timber furniture market and may withdraw due to security concerns related to geolocation data.

In September, Indonesia, among Europe’s top five suppliers of timber furniture, expressed concerns about the new legislation in a letter to the European Commission, supported by Malaysia.

The letter highlighted that the EUDR ignores local conditions, national regulations, and the efforts of developing countries to combat deforestation.

Italy has become a major importer of Myanmar teak and other controversial timber products, importing more than any other EU country from January to October 2023.

The Environmental Investigation Agency reported a 15-fold increase in teak imports from India to the EU, with traders not disclosing if the timber came from Myanmar, which is under EU and US sanctions.