Kapok Tiger Stripe

This is a very technical question. 👍 Let me break it down one by one.
Aside from Ceiba Flake (small flake grain), African woods like Mahogany (Mahogany series), Anigre, Bubinga, Koto, YaYa, and Ohha have indeed gradually faded from the mainstream market over the past decade or so. The reasons can be categorized as follows:
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1. Shifting market demand
• Changing design trends:
In the past, European and American decor favored mahogany and yellowwood tones like Mahogany, Anigre, and Koto.

However, in the past decade, global styles have shifted toward cool Nordic colors, grays, and modern minimalist black, white, and gray. European oak, white oak, ash, ash, and even engineered wood veneer (Recon) have largely replaced them.
• Consumer fatigue:
The red of Mahogany, the yellow of Anigre, and the light white of Koto were once symbols of high-end hotels and furniture, but after overuse, they have lost their freshness. ⸻
2. Log Resources and Policy Factors
• Strict African Timber Regulations:
Due to restrictions imposed by CITES, the Convention, or local governments, the export of Bubinga, Mahogany, and Yaya is difficult, and the cost of legal timber is high.
• Unstable Supply Chain:
Some species, such as Ohha and Yaya, were originally substitute timbers. With the decline in demand, harvesting has rapidly decreased, leaving the market without a stable supply.
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3. Processing and Utilization Restrictions
• Monochromatic Color and Difficulty in Dyeing:
Anigre and Koto are inherently light-colored, but their texture is soft, and their grain is not prominent after dyeing. While Yaya and Ohha have distinctive grains, they are not as durable as European oak and ash.
• Low Cutting Yield:
Large-diameter Bubinga and Mahogany logs are scarce, and patterns like burl and shadow wood are even more difficult to obtain consistently. High processing costs make them unsuitable for large-scale use. ⸻
4. The Impact of Substitutes
• The Rise of European and American Woods:
European white oak, red oak, ash, and American walnut have gradually become staples in engineering and furniture due to their "matched styles and stable supply."
• Recon Engineered Veneer:
Using woods like eucalyptus, eucalyptus, and Ceiba as base materials, these woods are reconstructed to mimic the effects of mahogany, walnut, zebra, and ebony. They are both affordable and stable, completely overshadowing traditional woods like Anigre and Koto.
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5. The Only Exception: Why Ceiba Flake Remains Popular
• Widely Available Base Material: Ceiba (Gibbean) is abundant in Africa and inexpensive.
• Special Decorative Effects: Flake (a flake-like structure) creates a natural, patchwork-like effect, making it suitable for engineered wood and modern staining treatments, keeping pace with design trends.
• Versatile: Commonly used for gray, black, and bleached finishes, it has become a staple in modern furniture and cabinetry.