Burmese Gems, Timber Find Other Markets as US Increases Sanctions

Source: Irrawaddy News

While the US enforces additional economic sanctions against Burma on gems and timber trade, highly prized forest lumber continues to move across the border into China, say reports from Kachin State.
Chinese traders in Ruili and Nong Dao are paying high prices of between US $1,200 and $1,400 per ton for teak and another tropical hardwood called Tarmalan, as illegal logging continues unabated under military eyes, said the Thailand based NGO Kachin News Group.

“Illegal loggers have to give at least 6,000,000 kyat [about $4,615] per truck carrying five to seven tons of Tarmalan to bribe the junta authorities in transporting the timber from the areas it is originating to the border trade centers,” the KNG said.

This news will dismay promoters of proposed new legislation being considered by the US Congress to target the junta’s lucrative income from timber and gems.

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