Fibreboard market in Eastern Asia

Earlier Report Observations

The fibreboard market in Eastern Asia expanded from 59 684 тыс. м³ in 2018 to a peak of 63 184 тыс. м³ in 2020. This growth was primarily supported by steady demand from the construction and furniture industries, while manufacturers simultaneously improved production technologies and increased the use of formaldehyde-free adhesives to develop more eco-friendly products. Although the COVID-19 pandemic caused global supply chain disruptions in 2020, a swift recovery in domestic construction activity helped maintain market volume.

A contraction phase began in 2021, with market volume falling to 52 258 тыс. м³ by 2023. This decline coincided with the Chinese government's strengthening of environmental regulations, which led to a reduction in total production capacity as some facilities closed or were consolidated. Large producers responded by investing in automation and innovation to shift output toward higher-value, multi-functional fibreboard with features like waterproofing and fire resistance.

Throughout the period, the market structure became more concentrated, dominated by a group of large manufacturers. The industry's focus remained on complying with environmental standards through formaldehyde-free adhesives and on enhancing production efficiency via technological upgrades, such as the development of ultra-thin fibreboard and faster continuous press lines, even as overall market volume decreased.

Production fibreboard in Eastern Asia

In kind, 2017-2020, K m³

Top producers of fibreboard, 2017-2020

World map of production of fibreboard, 2017-2020

Eastern Asia's fibreboard production volume increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, the region produced 64 360 K m³ of fibreboard, remaining broadly stable compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production grew by 2.6%, which translates to an annualized rate of 0.9%. The lowest production volume was recorded in 2018 at 61 305 K m³, marking the largest decline of 2.2% during this timeframe. In contrast, the largest increase occurred in 2019, with a growth of 4.9%.

Annual dynamics of production in Eastern Asia in kind, 2017-2020, K m³

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Following a two-year increase, Eastern Asia's fibreboard production volume in monetary terms declined. In 2020, the output was valued at 24 514 M $ US, reflecting a limited decrease of 3.4% compared to 2019. From 2017 to 2020, production rose by 20%, corresponding to a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.3%. The peak value was reached in 2019 at 25 366 M $ US, while the largest increase of 20.4% was recorded in 2018.

Annual dynamics of production in Eastern Asia in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Exports fibreboard from Eastern Asia

Exports in kind, K m³

Fibreboard export volumes from Eastern Asia declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, exports totaled 2 218 K m³, showing a moderate reduction of 9.1% compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, exports decreased by 38.4%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of -14.9%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Eastern Asia in kind, 2017-2020, K m³

Between 2017 and 2020, no single market dominated fibreboard exports from Eastern Asia. The United States accounted for 13.7% of exports in kind, Nigeria for 12.0%, and Saudi Arabia for 8.1%, together representing 33.8% of total exports. The remaining share was distributed among numerous smaller partners, each with modest individual contributions.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from Eastern Asia in kind, 2017-2020

Exports in value, M $ US

Fibreboard export volumes from Eastern Asia declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, exports amounted to 845 M $ US, which is 12.2% lower than the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, exports decreased by 27.9%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of -10.3%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Eastern Asia in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

From 2017 to 2020, the partner structure for fibreboard exports in value terms was balanced rather than concentrated. The United States represented 18.0% of exports in value terms, Nigeria 9.6%, and Canada 6.3%, jointly accounting for 33.9% of total flows. The remaining 66.1% was distributed among many other countries.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from Eastern Asia in value, 2017-2020

Imports fibreboard to Eastern Asia

Imports in kind, K m³

After a two-year increase, fibreboard import volumes into Eastern Asia declined. In 2020, the region imported approximately 1 026 K m³ of fibreboard, reflecting a solid decrease of 17.1% compared to 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, imports fell by 9.2%, equating to an annualized rate of -3.2%. The highest import volume was recorded in 2019 at 1 238 K m³, while the largest increase of 6.5% occurred in 2018.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Eastern Asia in kind, 2017-2020, K m³

From 2017 to 2020, New Zealand, Malaysia, and Thailand were the largest sources of fibreboard imports into Eastern Asia in kind. New Zealand accounted for 32.8% of imports, Malaysia for 15.1%, and Thailand for 14.8%, together comprising 62.6% of total import flows.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to Eastern Asia in kind, 2017-2020

Imports in value, M $ US

Fibreboard import volumes into Eastern Asia declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, imports amounted to 400 M $ US, equivalent to a strong fall of 19.9% compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports decreased by 11.1%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of -3.9%. The peak value was recorded in 2018 at 515 M $ US, which also saw the largest increase of 14.5%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Eastern Asia in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Between 2017 and 2020, New Zealand, Malaysia, and Germany remained the principal suppliers of fibreboard to Eastern Asia in value terms. New Zealand accounted for 30.0% of imports in value terms, Malaysia for 16.5%, and Germany for 8.4%, jointly representing 54.9% of total imports.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to Eastern Asia in value, 2017-2020