OSAKA -- An Osaka-based environmental nongovernmental organization fighting to save tropical rain forests says both legal and illegal imports of ramin wood to Japan have been greatly curbed in recent years.
Between April and August, Hutan surveyed 430 Japanese companies involved in the lumber trade. Of the 250 that replied, 191 said they had stopped importing ramin or selling products in which it was used. The companies include major trading firms, lumber supply stores, home centers and department stores.
The survey found that nearly 90 percent of local governments have declared they will not use ramin products or are discussing such a ban.