Non coniferous roundwood market in Japan

Earlier Report Observations

The Japanese non-coniferous roundwood market entered the period with a volume of 9 014 thousand m³ in 2018. This level was supported by an expansion in domestic log distribution, as reported by the Forestry Agency, which saw the volume of raw timber handled in the market increase significantly. Furthermore, the enforcement of the Clean Wood Act, which came into effect in 2017, began regulating illegal logging and mandated legality verification procedures, influencing industry practices and supporting domestic production.

A major acceleration in market growth occurred from 2019, initiated by the so-called Wood Shock. Soaring import timber prices, caused by increased U.S. demand and maritime shipping disruptions, accelerated a shift toward domestic timber. This was compounded by a harvesting halt by a major private forest company in Canada from November 2019, which directly reduced import log supplies. The COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 initially reduced sawmill utilization rates, but the resulting tight domestic supply and high import prices further boosted demand for domestic roundwood. Concurrently, revised building fire safety regulations implemented in 2020 increased demand for non-combustible timber like CLT, stimulating the market.

The Wood Shock persisted into 2021-2022, keeping import prices at historically high levels and pressuring domestic manufacturers. The onset of the Russia-Ukraine conflict and the subsequent complete ban on timber imports from Russia in 2022 delivered a direct supply shock, further compelling reliance on domestic production. During this period, the Clean Wood Act guidelines were revised in 2022, strengthening traceability requirements and increasing procedural burdens for importers. By 2023, the market volume had risen to 13 481 thousand m³, completing a steady multi-year expansion driven by these structural supply shifts.

Production non coniferous roundwood in Japan

In kind, 2018-2021, K m³

Top producers of non coniferous roundwood, 2018-2021

World map of production of non coniferous roundwood, 2018-2021

Japan's production of non-coniferous roundwood has increased for the third year in a row. In 2021, the country produced 11,572 thousand cubic meters, which represents a 3.4% rise compared to the previous year. Looking at the period from 2018 to 2021, production grew by 31.4%, averaging an annual increase of 9.5%.

Annual dynamics of production in Japan in kind, 2018-2021, K m³

Exports non coniferous roundwood from Japan

Exports in kind, K m³

Japan's exports of non-coniferous roundwood have declined for the second consecutive year. In 2021, the country exported 3.2 thousand cubic meters, marking a significant drop of 46.1% year-on-year. Over the 2018-2021 period, exports decreased by 43.9%, with a compound annual growth rate of -17.5%. The highest export volume was recorded in 2019 at 8.2 thousand cubic meters, which also saw the largest increase of 43.1%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Japan in kind, 2018-2021, K m³

From 2018 to 2021, the main destinations for Japan's non-coniferous roundwood exports were China, South Korea, and Vietnam. China accounted for 35.6% of exports, South Korea for 30.4%, and Vietnam for 15.9%. Together, these three countries represented 81.9% of total export flows.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's exports from Japan in kind, 2018-2021

Exports in value, K $ US

The export market for non-coniferous roundwood showed an unstable trend during this period. It peaked in 2019 and reached its lowest point in 2021, with a 4.2-fold difference between these years. In 2021, Japan's export value was 1,551 thousand US dollars, reflecting a dramatic decline of 55.5% compared to 2020. The maximum value was recorded in 2019 at 6,509 thousand US dollars, which also experienced the largest increase of 99.6%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Japan in value, 2018-2021, K $ US

Between 2018 and 2021, China, South Korea, and Asia (not elsewhere specified) dominated the export structure in value terms. China contributed 55.4% of exports, South Korea 20.2%, and Asia (not elsewhere specified) 8.2%. Collectively, these three accounted for 83.7% of total export flows.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's exports from Japan in value, 2018-2021

Imports non coniferous roundwood to Japan

Imports in kind, K m³

Japan's imports of non-coniferous roundwood have fallen for the third year in a row. In 2021, the country imported 54.7 thousand cubic meters, indicating a steep decline of 57.7% from the previous year. From 2018 to 2021, imports decreased by 73.9%, averaging an annual reduction of 36.1%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Japan in kind, 2018-2021, K m³

During the 2018-2021 period, Papua New Guinea, Malaysia, and the United States were the key partners for Japan's non-coniferous roundwood imports. Papua New Guinea supplied 43.0% of imports, Malaysia 24.9%, and the United States 16.9%. Together, these three countries made up 84.8% of total import flows.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's imports to Japan in kind, 2018-2021

Imports in value, K $ US

Japan's imports of non-coniferous roundwood in value terms have declined for the third consecutive year. In 2021, imports totaled 34,417 thousand US dollars, showing a contraction of 42.6% compared to the past year. Over the 2018-2021 period, imports decreased by 62.9%, with a compound annual growth rate of -28.1%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Japan in value, 2018-2021, K $ US

From 2018 to 2021, the United States, Papua New Guinea, and Malaysia were the largest contributors to Japan's import value. The United States accounted for 36.3% of imports, Papua New Guinea for 26.8%, and Malaysia for 17.4%. Combined, these three partners represented 80.6% of total import flows.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's imports to Japan in value, 2018-2021