Market access

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A showroom for tropical wood furniture in Colombia. ITTO works with its members to improve market access and promote non-discriminatory timber trade practices. Photo: J. Leigh/ITTO

Market access refers to the extent to which products and services can freely be traded into export markets. Greater market access is widely seen as a means to increase mutual benefits between trading partners. It is, however, often a contentious exercise, and many governments continue to apply measures such as tariffs, non-tariff trade barriers, and other market impediments.


ITTO recognizes that greater market access for sustainably produced tropical timber products can assist countries to pursue the Sustainable Development Goals by providing employment opportunities, encouraging sustainable forest management and delivering other benefits. Thus, improving market access and promoting non-discriminatory timber trade practices are important aspects of ITTO's work.

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