Shortage of hardwood

Hardwood trees grow slowly, and stocks are being harvested faster than they are being replaced. Many hardwoods are native to countries whose governments have not planned adequately to sustain production in the long term. There is great demand for hardwood for making musical instruments, because it is dense and does not warp or crack. By the year 2000, there will not be enough wood to meet demand.

Trade in Brazilian rosewood was banned when it fell to 1% of its original distribution levels. Indian rosewood is now threatened with exhaustion. Pernambuco, which goes into violin bows, impigo for clarinets and oboes, and ebony for piano keys are in very short supply from Africa.