Mongabay: U.S. tropical lumber imports plunged by nearly half between 2009 and 2008, reports the International Tropical Timber Organization (ITTO). Citing data from the U.S. Department of Commerce, ITTO lists a 70 percent decline in volume for Acajou d’Afrique, 55 percent for Ipe, 54 percent for Sapelli, and 48 percent for Mahogany. The slowdown is thought to be largely attributable to the decline in the U.S. housing market and the tepid economy. ITTO says that tropical lumber supply and …