In the first nine months of this year the EU27 imported 1.53 million tonnes of tropical wood and wooden furniture products with a total value of US$3.48 bil. respectively 15% and 25% more than the same period the previous year.  However, imports have been slowing since the summer and, as Europe moves into the winter months, there are ominous signs of recession ahead. The war in Ukraine is contributing to huge increases in energy prices, while business and consumer confidence has been hit by expectations of higher interest rates to control inflation.  ...