For operators in the sustainable tropical timber business, reliable and up-to-date information is crucial to navigate the geopolitical risks, shifting trade policy and increasing regulation shaping global markets.

Enter the Global Timber Index (GTI), an ITTO-backed initiative bringing new transparency to international markets for tropical timber and wood products to advance legal and sustainable supply chains across the sector.

Now in its fourth year, the GTI platform leverages a network of industry stakeholders to develop market intelligence reports. It has also developed into a hub for promoting sustainable practices.

“The GTI platform embodies ITTO’s core mission: to foster international cooperation for a sustainable tropical timber economy,” ITTO Executive Director Sheam Satkuru said. “It is a practical, working example of multilateralism, demonstrating how shared data and collective action can pave the way for more resilient, legal and sustainable supply chains.”

ITTO launched the GTI in late 2022 under its flagship Programme on Legal and Sustainable Supply Chains (LSSC) with support from the Commerce and Investment Promotion Institute of Macao SAR, China (IPIM). It is implemented by the Global Green Supply Chains Initiative (GSSC).

For operators in the sustainable tropical timber business, reliable and up-to-date information is crucial to navigate the geopolitical risks, shifting trade policy and increasing regulation shaping global markets. © ITTO

The platform has established a network of focal points in 10 countries across Africa, Asia and Latin America. The list spans major producers such as Brazil, Ecuador, Gabon, Ghana, Indonesia, Malaysia, Mexico, the Republic of the Congo and Thailand, as well as China, a key manufacturing and consumer nation.

The focal point, typically forestry industry associations or government agencies, now compile information from more than 300 enterprises on variables ranging from harvesting, inventory and order volumes to prices, delivery times and future expectations.

GSSC’s statistical model turns the gathered data into indices that provide a uniquely representative and up-to-date snapshot of developments in tropical timber markets at the global and national level, including in critical sub-sectors.

The GTI-Producers Index, for instance, reflects trends in timber harvesting and primary processing for countries representing approximately 65.8% of the total log and sawnwood production of ITTO producer members. Similarly, the GTI-Woodbased Panel Index covers about 51.1% of global production.

The global and country-by-country findings are published in monthly reports on the ITTO website along with a section spotlighting emerging trends and developments in sustainable tropical forest management and trade.

As the GTI Platform continues to evolve, it is poised to become an even more important catalyst for connecting markets, informing policy and supporting resilient and sustainable tropical timber value chains worldwide. © ITTO

ITTO and GGSC recently released the “Global Timber Index: Milestones and Achievements”, which contains reflections from the focal points highlighting GTI’s growing role in promoting transparency, strengthening international cooperation and advancing trade in legal and sustainably sourced timber. 

As the GTI Platform continues to evolve, it is poised to become an even more important catalyst for connecting markets, informing policy and supporting resilient and sustainable tropical timber value chains worldwide.

Source: International Tropical Timber Organization (ITTO)