Ministers Push To Close Gap Between Legal And Illegal Timber Trade30 July 2026Ministers and senior representatives meeting in Shenzhen called for stronger action to protect the Asia-Pacific forests, warning that illegal logging, mangrove loss and rapid urban growth are putting one of the region’s greatest economic assets under pressure. Convening at the sixth APEC Ministerial Meeting on Forestry on Tuesday, ministers and senior representatives focused on how digital technologies can strengthen sustainable forest management. Illegal logging accounts for an estimated 15 to 30 percent of the global timber trade, costing the Asia-Pacific an estimated USD51 billion a year. Ministers called for faster conservation and restoration efforts, pointing to mangroves’ importance for disaster resilience, food security and economic growth. Continuing the groundwork from today's discussions, the Experts Group on Illegal Logging and Associated Trade met on 29 and 30 July to further practical work on advancing forest resilience and the ecological well-being for all across the Asia-Pacific.