Research in International Forest Economics

The purpose of this chapter is to identify possible elements of a research program in international forest economics from the perspective of a research organization centrally concerned with the natural resources of the United States. The content and approach of the chapter reflect the overall organization of the sympsoium. However, the fact that in organizing the symposium it was found useful to have one paper focus on international aspects of forest economics research in no way implies that international forest economics should be considered as a problem area for development separately from the main body of forest economics research. A brief summary of the current status of the US involvement in international trade in forest products is presented to provide a perspective for the balance of this section. Most of the more specific proposals for international forest economics research covered in the balance of the section have direct ties to a central issue.