Non coniferous roundwood market in South-eastern Asia

Earlier Report Observations

Production of non-coniferous roundwood in South-eastern Asia increased from 302.2 million m³ in 2018 to 311.9 million m³ in 2021. This growth was supported by the Malaysian timber industry's shift toward exporting higher value-added wood products, which raised demand for raw timber. State-owned entities like the Malaysian Timber Industry Board actively promoted exports and industry development. Additionally, the de-pegging of the Malaysian ringgit in 2019 enhanced the price competitiveness of timber exports, sustaining production even during the COVID-19 pandemic, which caused labor and raw material shortages but did not severely dent export demand.

After a slight dip to 309.3 million m³ in 2022—linked to global supply chain disruptions from the Russia‑Ukraine war—production recovered to 310.7 million m³ in 2023. The industry's focus on securing new raw material sources helped offset shortages in the downstream processing sector. Ongoing investments in digital transformation and sustainability certification also allowed producers to maintain output amid shifting market conditions.

Production non coniferous roundwood in South-eastern Asia

In kind, 2017-2020, M m³

Top producers of non coniferous roundwood, 2017-2020

World map of production of non coniferous roundwood, 2017-2020

Production of non-coniferous roundwood in South-eastern Asia has increased for the third year in a row. In 2020, the region produced 307.6 million cubic meters, showing a modest 1.7% rise compared to 2019. Looking at the period from 2017 to 2020, overall production grew by 5%, which translates to an average annual growth rate of 1.6%.

Annual dynamics of production in South-eastern Asia in kind, 2017-2020, M m³

Exports non coniferous roundwood from South-eastern Asia

Exports in kind, K m³

In 2020, South-eastern Asia exported 689 thousand cubic meters of non-coniferous roundwood, a 24.1% decrease from 2019. Over the four-year span from 2017 to 2020, exports dropped by 46.5%, averaging an 18.8% annual decline. The sharpest fall occurred in 2018, with a 30.4% reduction, while 2019 saw a slight uptick of 1.3%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the top three markets for exports in volume were India, Asia (not elsewhere specified), and China. Together, these destinations accounted for 50.8% of the total export flows.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

Exports of non-coniferous roundwood from South-eastern Asia in value terms declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, exports totaled 136.3 million US dollars, down 33.6% from 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, the value of exports fell by 59.2%, with an average annual decrease of 25.9%.

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

During 2017–2020, the key export partners in value terms were India, China, and Asia (not elsewhere specified). India led with 55.1% of the total value, followed by China at 10.8% and Asia (not elsewhere specified) at 9.2%. Combined, these three markets represented 75.0% of all export flows.

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

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

Imports non coniferous roundwood to South-eastern Asia

Imports in kind, K m³

Imports of non-coniferous roundwood into South-eastern Asia rose for the third year in a row. In 2020, the region imported 1 000 thousand cubic meters, marking a 42.2% increase over 2019. From 2017 to 2020, imports surged by 5 785.7%, with an average annual growth rate of 289.0%.

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

The import structure in volume from 2017 to 2020 was quite diverse. Belgium, the United States, and Cameroon were the top partners, contributing 18.5%, 17.7%, and 11.1% of imports, respectively. Together, they made up 47.3% of total flows, while the remaining 52.7% was spread across many smaller markets.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

The import market in value terms showed volatility over the period. Imports peaked in 2018 at 652.5 million US dollars and hit their lowest point in 2017, with a 7.4-fold difference between these years. In 2020, imports amounted to 475.6 million US dollars, a 13.3% drop from 2019. The largest decline occurred in 2019 at 15.9%, while the biggest increase was in 2018 at 643.1%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the country structure for imports in value terms remained highly diversified. Cameroon, the United States, and France were the leading partners, accounting for 18.6%, 16.0%, and 10.5% of imports, respectively. Together, they represented 45.1% of total flows, with the remaining 54.9% distributed among numerous smaller markets.

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

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