Forests

Research

20 pages, 6276 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Fuelwood Value Chain in Northern Nigeria: Economic, Environment, and Social Sustainability Concerns

by Bulama Ali, Norzanalia Saadun, Norizah Kamarudin, Mohamad Azani Alias, Nolila Mohd Nawi and Badrul Azhar

Forests 2023, 14(5), 906; https://doi.org/10.3390/f14050906 - 27 Apr 2023

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2633

Abstract

The increased fuelwood demand and commercialization activities in Nigeria over the years have incurred various sustainability issues and concerns along the fuelwood value chain. This study employed value chain analysis to examine the sustainability of the fuelwood value chain in Yobe, Nigeria, in [...] Read more.

The increased fuelwood demand and commercialization activities in Nigeria over the years have incurred various sustainability issues and concerns along the fuelwood value chain. This study employed value chain analysis to examine the sustainability of the fuelwood value chain in Yobe, Nigeria, in relation to economic, environmental, and social aspects. From the analysis, it was found that fuelwood business activities were conducted by registered licensed actors (formally) and informally by non-licensed actors who do not register with the government agency that controls forest-related activities. Profit was not equally distributed along the value chain, whereby 65% of the total profits were reaped by the transporters. Natural forests were the main source of fuelwood, with 18 tree species being preferred and commonly traded by both formal and informal chain actors. Women’s participation in the formal fuelwood value chain was limited and mainly concentrated in the informal chain. The findings of this study can inform policymakers to enhance the sustainability of fuelwood production and trade along the value chain, especially in terms of profit sharing, exploitation of forest resources, and gender equality. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Production, Trade and Consumption of Wood-Based Products)

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19 pages, 2122 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Comparison of the International Competitiveness of Forest Products in Top Exporting Countries Using the Deviation Maximization Method with Increasing Uncertainty in Trading

by Bo Jiang and Yongwu Dai

Forests 2023, 14(4), 812; https://doi.org/10.3390/f14040812 - 15 Apr 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1924

Abstract

Increased uncertainty in the trade environment has become a reality. However, so far, there is no well-established indicator system to quantify the international competitiveness of forest products in the context of increased uncertainty in the trade environment. Based on expanding the concept of [...] Read more.

Increased uncertainty in the trade environment has become a reality. However, so far, there is no well-established indicator system to quantify the international competitiveness of forest products in the context of increased uncertainty in the trade environment. Based on expanding the concept of international competitiveness, we constructed an evaluation indicator system of international competitiveness including market performance and competitive advantage, which highlighted market stability and market sustainability indicators. We obtained a comprehensive international competitiveness index of the forest products by Deviation Maximization Method. This study aims to compare and evaluate the international competitiveness of forest products in the top 10 exporting countries using a comprehensive international competitiveness index. The results showed that it is more accurate and comprehensive to use the comprehensive international competitiveness index to evaluate the international competitiveness of forest products, compared to using only a single index. Additionally, the changes to the composite index of international competitiveness went hand-in-hand with the uncertainties the observed countries face, indicating that the indicator system is applicable to the measurement of international competitiveness in an uncertain environment. Large differences exist in the level of international competitiveness of forest products among observed countries. German paper products and wood chips, Chinese wood furniture, wood-based panels and wood products, U.S. logs and wood pulp, and Canadian sawn wood were the most competitive. On the whole, China, Germany and Italy have the highest level of overall international competitiveness in forest products, with Brazil and Poland showing the most significant increases. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Production, Trade and Consumption of Wood-Based Products)

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17 pages, 1013 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Financial Revenues from Timber Harvesting in Secondary Cloud Forests: A Case Study from Mexico

by Tarin Toledo-Aceves, Sven Günter, Manuel R. Guariguata, Martín García-Díaz and Eliza Zhunusova

Forests 2022, 13(9), 1496; https://doi.org/10.3390/f13091496 - 15 Sep 2022

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2806 | Correction

Abstract

Secondary forests, i.e., those arising after the clearance and abandonment of previously forested land, dominate tropical forest landscapes, rapidly sequester carbon, provide essential ecosystem services and are prone to re-clearance. Secondary cloud forests (SCF) play a particularly critical role for biodiversity and hydrological [...] Read more.

Secondary forests, i.e., those arising after the clearance and abandonment of previously forested land, dominate tropical forest landscapes, rapidly sequester carbon, provide essential ecosystem services and are prone to re-clearance. Secondary cloud forests (SCF) play a particularly critical role for biodiversity and hydrological regulation. To promote their persistence, sustainable management is necessary; however, there is limited information regarding SCF potential for sustainable timber production. We estimated the revenue from selective timber harvesting in a pilot study in a 20-year-old SCF in Mexico. We explored the effect of the harvested timber volume, harvesting costs and price of forest products on the Net Present Value (NPV). Small landowners could only extract 17% of the harvestable standing volume due to a high number of small trees, a high (34%) volume of non-timber species, and their limited capacity to process timber. A third of the income derived from fuelwood, and overall financial returns were negative. A positive NPV may result from a 20% harvesting intensity, a 10% reduction in harvesting costs, or a 20% increase in stumpage price. Our results warrant the development of forest policy instruments and economic incentives for small-scale SCF landowners to alleviate poverty and meet national and global restoration and climate mitigation goals. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Production, Trade and Consumption of Wood-Based Products)

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13 pages, 1715 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Are Consumers Interested in Colored Beech Wood and Furniture Products?

by Mariana Sedliačiková and Mária Moresová

Forests 2022, 13(9), 1470; https://doi.org/10.3390/f13091470 - 13 Sep 2022

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 1718

Abstract

The beech (Fagus sylvatica L.) is the most represented tree from the deciduous trees in Slovakia. This paper deals with the issue of color tones of steamed beech wood and furniture products made of it. The main objective of this paper was [...] Read more.

The beech (Fagus sylvatica L.) is the most represented tree from the deciduous trees in Slovakia. This paper deals with the issue of color tones of steamed beech wood and furniture products made of it. The main objective of this paper was to identify the interest of Slovak consumers in colored beech wood and furniture made of it. An empirical survey was used to map the issue, while the basic set was the population of Slovakia. The representativeness of the sample set was verified through the chi-square test. The results showed that Slovak consumers are highly interested in buying beech wood and products made of it. In addition to the price and quality of the wood raw material, the color of the wood is also an important factor for them. The majority of respondents stated that they were not interested in buying wood and furniture products in the native color of beech wood. On the contrary, Slovaks especially prefer deep brown-red tones of beech wood. The results of the conducted survey are up to date and take into account consumers’ behavior after the crisis caused by the COVID-19 pandemic as well as the current economic crisis. This information will help woodworking and furniture enterprises operating in the Slovak business environment to better adapt their offer of products for the end consumers. At the same time, it will help in working efficiently with wood raw material, which is becoming a short commodity from a global point of view. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Production, Trade and Consumption of Wood-Based Products)

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17 pages, 779 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Impact of Forest Certification on the Ternary Margins of China’s Forest Product Export

by Jinzhu Zhang, Ziyue Zhao, Wenqi Zhao, Chenlu Tao and Baodong Cheng

Forests 2022, 13(8), 1313; https://doi.org/10.3390/f13081313 - 17 Aug 2022

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1936

Abstract

Forest certification as a typical green trade measure has been gradually adopted by developed countries. Although it can promote the upgrading of forest products’ trade structure, it also threatens the stability of export growth. However, most studies have focused on the impact of [...] Read more.

Forest certification as a typical green trade measure has been gradually adopted by developed countries. Although it can promote the upgrading of forest products’ trade structure, it also threatens the stability of export growth. However, most studies have focused on the impact of forest certification on the total volume of forest product exports, but less on the impact on the growth structure. This study used the cross-country panel data and an extended gravity model to empirically analyze the impact of forest certification on the ternary margins of China’s forest products export to 39 countries that have introduced green trade measures from 2006 to 2019. The results show that the growth of China’s export of forest products is primarily driven by the quantitative margin, followed by the price margin. Forest certification in the trading partner countries has a significant positive impact on the price margin and a significant negative effect on the quantitative margin of China’s forest products. Furthermore, the effect on the quantitative margin is greater than that on the price margin, while the impact on the extensive margin is not significant. The study provides a scientific basis for responding to the forest certification measures, deepening cooperation with trading countries on forest products, and strengthening the mutual recognition and coordination of forest certification systems. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Production, Trade and Consumption of Wood-Based Products)

25 pages, 5800 KiB

Open AccessArticle

U.S. and Global Wood Energy Outlook under Alternative Shared Socioeconomic Pathways

by Craig M. T. Johnston, Jinggang Guo and Jeffrey P. Prestemon

Forests 2022, 13(5), 786; https://doi.org/10.3390/f13050786 - 18 May 2022

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 2920

Abstract

There has been a significant increase in the use of wood pellets for energy in the past decade due in large part to their climate mitigation potential. Because of this, the demand for wood pellets is largely driven by policy, as well as [...] Read more.

There has been a significant increase in the use of wood pellets for energy in the past decade due in large part to their climate mitigation potential. Because of this, the demand for wood pellets is largely driven by policy, as well as socioeconomic development, making projections of future wood energy markets highly uncertain. The aim of this study is to provide projections of future wood energy market trends under five distinct socioeconomic scenarios based on the assumed future evolution of gross domestic product, population, technological change, trade openness, and bioenergy preferences using the FOrest Resource Outlook Model. In four out of the five scenarios considered, it is projected that the use of roundwood and mill chips, particles, and residuals will rise in order to produce a growing output of wood pellets in the United States and globally. In terms of international markets, the global dominance of Europe’s demand for wood, to help that continent achieve its own climate goals, further explains the sustained and growing supply position of the U.S. South regions to meet that demand. Taken together, the projections suggest emerging bioenergy markets will drive increased competition for inputs with other manufacturers, particularly in the U.S. South regions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Production, Trade and Consumption of Wood-Based Products)

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15 pages, 2261 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Seasonal Fluctuation of Timber Prices in Hyrcanian Temperate Forests, Northern Iran

by Seyed Mahdi Heshmatol Vaezin, Mohammad Moftakhar Juybari, Seyed Mohammad Moein Sadeghi, Jan Banaś and Marina Viorela Marcu

Forests 2022, 13(5), 761; https://doi.org/10.3390/f13050761 - 16 May 2022

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2368

Abstract

Seasonal fluctuations play an important role in the pricing of a timber sale. A good understanding of timber price mechanisms and predictability in the timber market would be very practical for forest owners, managers, and investors, and is crucial for the correct functioning [...] Read more.

Seasonal fluctuations play an important role in the pricing of a timber sale. A good understanding of timber price mechanisms and predictability in the timber market would be very practical for forest owners, managers, and investors, and is crucial for the correct functioning of the timber sector. This research aimed to analyze the effect of sale season on timber (sawlog and lumber) prices of high-value species groups (e.g., oriental beech, chestnut-leaved oak, common alder, velvet maple, and common hornbeam) in the Hyrcanian temperate forests (Northern Iran). The data were collected from official sale documents of the Azarroud Forestry Plan from 1992 to 2015. The relevant data of 592 sale lots at forest roadside were extracted into a data set. Then, the average timber prices (sawlog and lumber) per season/year in quarterly frequency were calculated. In doing so, two-time series of seasonal prices for the sawlog and lumber was obtained. The stationarity of the time series was statistically verified using the augmented Dickey–Fuller test. The effect of sale seasons on timber price was first analyzed using multiple linear regression analysis dummy variables. The results showed that autumn and summer have a significant positive effect on timber prices of 6.5% and 6.1%, respectively. Additionally, the decomposition of time series results showed that the highest prices of the sawlog and lumber were in quarter 3 and quarter 2, respectively, due to an increase in construction activities that picked up in the autumn season. Information about potential price fluctuations will be plausible and allow suppliers and users of sawlogs to adjust their supply and demand. This valuable information can be used in marketing and strategic forest management planning for Hyrcanian temperate forests and other temperate countries with similar conditions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Production, Trade and Consumption of Wood-Based Products)

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Review

Jump to: Research, Other

12 pages, 2393 KiB

Open AccessReview

Impact of Global Supply Chain Crisis on Chinese Forest Product Enterprises: Trade Trends and Literature Review

by Qian Liu and Zhuo Ning

Forests 2023, 14(6), 1247; https://doi.org/10.3390/f14061247 - 15 Jun 2023

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2966

Abstract

The global supply chain crisis caused by COVID-19 and the trend of “anti-globalization” continuously impact international trade. As one of the central processing centers of global primary products, China’s forest product enterprises import raw materials and export manufactured products, which are vulnerable to [...] Read more.

The global supply chain crisis caused by COVID-19 and the trend of “anti-globalization” continuously impact international trade. As one of the central processing centers of global primary products, China’s forest product enterprises import raw materials and export manufactured products, which are vulnerable to the worldwide supply chain crisis. This article reviews research on the influence of the pandemic and the Sino–US trade war on the international trade of wooden products and China’s forestry enterprises that import raw timber materials and export wooden products. Furthermore, with the analysis of trade data, we found that China’s forest product enterprises are facing a shortage of wood materials and rising import prices. Regarding export, they face the problems of increased trade costs and fluctuating product demand. Moreover, the influence of the global supply chain crisis causes China’s trade diversion effect. This article comprehensively analyzes how the global supply chain crisis affects wood-based product enterprises and offers suggestions for further developing China’s forestry enterprises. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Production, Trade and Consumption of Wood-Based Products)

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