Cocobolo on CITES list

[wingnut]

I was informed by one of the places we buy wood that due to a growing demand in Asia cocobolo is no on the CITES list and will be severely limited on importation.  What is imported will be very expensive.  So if coco is you wood of choice be ready for sticker shock.

Mike

[Hermon]

I read somewhere else that Koa was on the list too.  Have you heard anything about that?

[Tom]

Recently in Costa Rica where cocobolo may be found but it cannot be cut but can be salvaged from fallen trees. Such a beautiful wood but overharvest led to this decline and now the countries are trying to recify the problem.

[mmgrode]

Good to know, Mike.  Thanks

[Matty]

Originally posted by wingnut:
I was informed by one of the places we buy wood that due to a growing demand in Asia cocobolo is no on the CITES list and will be severely limited on importation.  What is imported will be very expensive.  So if coco is you wood of choice be ready for sticker shock.

Mike

What's going on in Asia that there's such a high demand for it there?
Also. What's the current BF/LF PRICE and where do they forecast it going to?
Thanks for the input mike

[wingnut]

The new rich in China are buying it in log form and shipping it to China.  There they process it and use it for trim and cabinets.  I've heard of hardwood floors being done too.

Prices have doubled twice in the past six months,so look for it to be like the ebony family of woods.

Mike

[LongStick64]

Good to know, easiest my favorite of all woods

[wingnut]

As of yesterday we've had to move it to the call for pricing list like the ebonies.  Makes me sick as I love the look of coco.

Mike

[kgillard]

Does that mean that my present bow is worth even more?  LOL

[Jack Hoyt 75]

Interesting, I am going to do some more research and I know someone who goes to China a lot for business.  I may come back down in the future.

[Bladepeek]

China has been buying huge amounts of our best woods for veneers for years. They suck up a lot of ivory, stag and horn also. India banned the export of Sambar stag because they were being poached for their antlers instead of harvesting the sheds. Sure makes it tough on knifemakers, trying to find a really nice piece of stag for less than $50 - $75.

[LittleBen]

Does suck a bit, but on the other hand, if it means that cocobolo is going to be harvested sustainably (i.e. I'll be able to get it forever) I'm happy to pay more for it.

At the end of the day we're talking about only a small part of the cost of a custom bow.

With that said, I did buy all the cocobolo at the wood shop the other day ... lol. Better go back an see if I missed any of it.

[Troy D. Breeding]

A week or two ago I went to a new wood shop I had never visited. They had alittle coco and I almost jumped back from it like a snake. 2"x 4" (dressed) material not even 3' long was over $200.00

[leftyfred]

Keep in mind that their have been no CITES permits issued yet worldwide according to the USDA.  This means that if you are a retailer or manufacturer, it is illegal to ship cocobolo outside the US even if you purchased the cocobolo before it went on CITES 2.  When permits are issued in country of origin, the US will allow import of cocobolo, but it must be documented with a CITES 2 document, which your supplier should furnish upon demand.  Heavy fines are currently being levied by USDA for guitars made of cocobolo that have been shipped abroad.  They have also been confiscated.  On a positive note, I feel it has been a blessing that it went on the CITES list, because the Chinese are no longer able to dominate the market with their abundance of US dollars.  Just my 2 cents,  Leftyfed

[Hummer3T]

I edited this response due to a error.  I don't want to mislead anyone not reading further posts.

[leftyfred]

Hummer3T, I believe you are incorrect.  The document you are resourcing is this year.  Dalbergia Retusa, (cocobolo) went on CITES 2 June 2013 along with Honduras Rosewood (dalbergia Stevensonia).  CITES 2 means that this lumber is restricted trade, not prohibited.  However, since no permits have yet to be issued from any South American or Central American country, it is not legal trade at this time.  Nicaragua has been shipping their cocobolo abroad calling it Nicaraguan rosewood instead of cocobolo.  Mostly this wood is dark with little to no figure, and very oily.  Not what the bowyers are looking for.  This is a document from the USDA on legal matters in the US.  Leftyfred
 http://www.aphis.usda.gov/import_export/plants/manuals/domestic/downloads/cites.pdf

[Hummer3T]

John does this apply to bow makers shipping final products to other countries (within a manufactured bow). I would guess yes?  Bow makers should be careful when shipping bows made of Cocobolo to other countries such as Canada?

[leftyfred]

cocobolo in any form, an ink pen, a guitar, a bow, cannot be legally shipped outside the US at this time.  I am unsure about a used item.  A newly manufactured item is a definite no.  Once permits are issued for trade, one must have that document available upon demand to prove that the material was legally obtained.  Each item doesn't need to ship with the CITES document, but if you are wanting to fly within the limits of the law, you better have a permit handy.