Taiwan - Forestry

The total forest area was estimated at two million ha (4.9 million acres) in 2001. The roundwood harvest was estimated at 49,000 cu m (1.73 million cu ft) in 2001 (90% softwood). Domestic timber production only meets 1% of total demand; the value of wood imports totaled $837.5 million in 2001. Taiwan's timber production has declined since the 1980s due to local labor shortages, intensifying environmental concerns, and logging restrictions. Principal timbers are oak, cedar, and hemlock. Taiwan is a major furniture exporter that relies heavily on imported wood products to support the industry. Furniture exports in 2001 were valued at $601 million.