Interview in the closing weeks of 2023 with one of Europe’s leading tropical hardwood trading companies, Vandecasteele , highlights the significant challenges brought on by slow growth and tightening environmental regulations. However, the company sees long-term potential in the European market for tropical wood, particularly for value-added products drawing on strong technical performance and environmental credentials.     The interview highlighted that today’s European tropical timber trade is a demanding environment. Sales are significantly down over the last 18 months and prices have followed. New moves on the timber sector’s ...