Non coniferous roundwood market in Southern Asia

Earlier Report Observations

Non-coniferous roundwood production in Southern Asia experienced a steady, gradual decline from 426.1 million m³ in 2018 to 420.1 million m³ in 2023. Correspondingly, the total market volume, available from 2020, shrank from 424.5 million m³ to 420.2 million m³ over the following four years, with negligible import and export activity leaving domestic production as the primary determinant of market size.

A key shift in global demand emerged in 2022, as declining consumption of graphic paper reduced the need for roundwood in that segment, contributing to the contraction in regional production. The following year, regulatory changes directly affected the market structure when CITES loosened export rules for rosewood (Sheesham), facilitating increased timber shipments from India. While this altered trade dynamics for specific species, it coincided with a continued overall reduction in domestic market volume.

By 2024, the sector faced headwinds from high interest rates, which dampened housing construction and subsequently reduced demand for roundwood. This pressure on the core construction market persisted alongside growing downstream sectors, such as plywood and wooden furniture, which reflected changing consumer preferences towards sustainable materials but did not reverse the overarching decline in roundwood consumption.

Production non coniferous roundwood in Southern 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

Southern Asia's non-coniferous roundwood production has declined for the third year in a row. In 2020, the region produced 424.4 million cubic meters, showing no significant change from the 2019 level.

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

Exports non coniferous roundwood from Southern Asia

Exports in kind, K m³

The data shows irregular fluctuations, pointing to a volatile market environment. Exports reached their lowest point in 2020 at 1.3 thousand cubic meters, marking a sharp 17.6% drop from the previous year. The peak was recorded in 2018 at 54.6 thousand cubic meters, creating a 41-fold difference between these two years. The largest decline occurred in 2019 with a 97.0% decrease, while the biggest increase was in 2018 at 183.6%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, France, Iraq, and the United States were the main destinations for Southern Asia's non-coniferous roundwood exports in volume terms. Together, they accounted for 52.1% of total exports, with France at 27.1%, Iraq at 20.9%, and the United States at 4.1%.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

The data reveals irregular changes, indicating a volatile market environment. Export values hit a low in 2020 at 349 thousand US dollars, representing a sharp 28.0% fall from the previous year. The high was in 2018 at 2 557 thousand US dollars, resulting in a 7.3-fold variation between these years. The largest decline was in 2019 at 81.0%, while the biggest increase was in 2018 at 54.3%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Iraq and the United States remained the key partner countries for Southern Asia's non-coniferous roundwood exports in value terms, jointly making up 59.6% of total flows.

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

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

Imports non coniferous roundwood to Southern Asia

Imports in kind, K m³

Southern Asia's non-coniferous roundwood imports have declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, imports stood at 104.5 thousand cubic meters, which is 60.7% lower than the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports decreased by 100%, with a compound annual growth rate of -92.5%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Cameroon, Russia, and Turkey were the principal suppliers of non-coniferous roundwood to Southern Asia in volume terms. Together, they accounted for 77.2% of total imports, with Cameroon at 45.8%, Russia at 23.9%, and Turkey at 7.5%.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

Non-coniferous roundwood deliveries to Southern Asia have fallen for the third year in a row. In 2020, imports amounted to 21 286 thousand US dollars, reflecting a gradual 10.0% decrease compared to the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports dropped by 83.6%, with a compound annual growth rate of -45.3%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Cameroon, Russia, and Turkey held the largest share of imports in value terms for Southern Asia's non-coniferous roundwood. Together, they comprised 73.0% of total flows, with Cameroon at 35.0%, Russia at 25.4%, and Turkey at 12.6%.

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

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