Accurate and timely information on timber trade flows is crucial to understanding the impact and effectiveness of FLEGT policy measures. The ability to access trade data in Near Real-time has taken on even greater significance during the period of unprecedented global disruption caused by COVID-19. At a webinar on 20 October, the FLEGT Independent Market Monitor (IMM) introduced two new, innovative and freely accessible online sources of trade data – the IMM’s own Data Dashboard and the Sustainable Timber Information Exchange (STIX).

The IMM Dashboard comprises two components, a “Market trends” and “Monitoring board” facility. These break down and visualise VPA partner country trade data in various ways. All data can be downloaded in a choice of graphical representations or as raw data.

The Data Dashboard derives its information from STIX, the global timber and wood products trade data resource developed by the International Tropical Timber Organization through the IMM project in association with the Global Timber Forum (GTF).

Updated monthly, STIX presents data from 46 countries, including nearly all the world’s largest timber and wood product exporters and importers. Combined they account for at least 90% of total global timber products trade by value. The website allows users to access and download specific data in bulk and to select and aggregate data for commercially meaningful product groups.

The IMM webinar included presentations on the Data Dashboard and STIX from IMM Trade Analyst Rupert Oliver. The content and functions of the dashboards were demonstrated, particularly focusing on the immediate impact of COVID-19 to highlight the value and analytical power of easy and comprehensive access to global timber trade flow data. This was followed by a question and answer session.

Presentation file