Wood and wood products are essential to large areas of the world economy and yet there has until now been no single definitive reference source to which those new to or requiring a strategic overview of the industry could turn for a comprehensive picture of the market chain from forest to consumer. The international timber trade provides a detailed overview of the entire timber and timber products business. It is arranged in three sections:

• Chapters 1 to 3 provide a background starting with an historical perspective, an overview of the worldwide forest resource and going to examine...