Environmental groups are applauding the Chinese government's agreement with Burma to only use lawfully licensed Burmese timber.

In a statement last week, a spokesperson from the Chinese government stated that it will "firmly crack down on illegal deforestation and illegal imports", adding that "China enforces rigid control over imports" and that it "will impose tough countermeasures to curb the illegal cross-border timber trade."

Statistical analysis by Global Witness shows that cross-border imports from Burma to China increased by 12% in 2005. The trade now stands at more than 1.5 million cubic metres per year with an estimated value of approximately US$350 million. Almost all of these exports are illegal.

"China is now promising to halt all illegal timber imports from Burma. After a decade of inaction, this represents a welcome, if overdue, first step," aid Mike Davis of Global Witness. "We look forward to prompt and demonstrable implementation. We also hope that this is the start of a wider effort by the Chinese authorities to remove all illegal timber from China's supply chain."

Global Witness says that cross-border imports from Burma to China increased by 12% in 2005. The trade now stands at more than 1.5 million cubic metres per year with an estimated value of approximately US$350 million. Almost all of these exports are illegal.