ABSTRACT
Western Europe encompasses only about 4 per cent of the worlds’ forests, but the region is a major force in global forest trade. Germany, Finland and Sweden rank third, fifth and seventh worldwide in total value of wood product imports and exports. The economic importance of the forest sector in these countries is matched with strong political and social engagement in global forestry dialogue. Portugal, the fourth case study in this chapter, plays a much smaller role in global trade. However, it is included in the analysis for its significant role in the global market for plantation pulp and as an example of forest policy and practice in southern Europe.
