Non coniferous sawnwood market in China

Earlier Report Observations

The non-coniferous sawnwood market in China opened the period with a strong volume of 59.3 million m³ in 2018, driven primarily by a robust recovery in the real estate sector, a key demand source, and increased investment in production capacity by state-owned forestry enterprises. However, the market contracted sharply to 47.8 million m³ in 2019 as international trade friction and tariff policies raised import costs, while tightening environmental regulations pressured domestic processors. The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted global supply chains in 2020, but government support measures, including tax relief and credit aid, helped the market rebound to 52.4 million m³.

Market growth stabilized in 2021, reaching 53.1 million m³, as continued real estate demand was offset by rising global timber prices and stricter import quarantine and quality controls that raised market access barriers. A significant downturn followed in 2022, with volume falling to 41.5 million m³, due to persistent global supply chain tension and stricter national policies on timber resource protection that limited harvesting. The market then saw a moderate recovery to 43.9 million m³ in 2023.

Production non coniferous sawnwood in China

In kind, 2017-2020, K m³

From 2017 to 2020, China held the top position globally in the production of non-coniferous sawnwood.

Top producers of non coniferous sawnwood, 2017-2020

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

Following a two-year decline, non-coniferous sawnwood production in China rebounded. In 2020, China produced 42 945 K m³ of non-coniferous sawnwood, marking a year-over-year increase of 14.8%. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production fell by 10%, which translates to an annualized rate of 3.4%. The lowest production level was recorded in 2019 at 37 414 K m³, with the largest decline of 19.3% occurring that same year.

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

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

After a two-year decrease, China's non-coniferous sawnwood production value saw an uptick. In 2020, the output was valued at 41 821 M $ US, reflecting a modest year-over-year rise of 7.6%. From 2017 to 2020, production value dropped by 41.9%, corresponding to a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of -16.5%. The minimum value was observed in 2019 at 38 852 M $ US, with the steepest decline of 34.5% also recorded that year.

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

Exports non coniferous sawnwood from China

Exports in kind, K m³

After two years of growth, non-coniferous sawnwood exports from China experienced a decline. In 2020, China exported 98 K m³, showing little change from the 2019 level. Between 2017 and 2020, exports increased by 12.8%, with a CAGR of 4.1%. The peak export volume was reached in 2019 at 98 K m³, accompanied by the largest increase of 6.5% that year.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Japan (accounting for 30.1% of exports in volume), Vietnam (18.0%), and the United States (14.5%) were the primary buyers of non-coniferous sawnwood from China, collectively making up 62.6% of total exports in volume.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

Non-coniferous sawnwood exports from China declined for the third year in a row. In 2020, exports totaled 95 M $ US, down 6.7% compared to 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, exports decreased by 27.2%, equating to an annualized rate of 10.0%.

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

Over the 2017–2020 period, Japan (35.7% of exports in value), the United States (22.2%), and South Korea (8.2%) emerged as the key markets for China's non-coniferous sawnwood exports, together representing 66.1% of total export value.

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

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

Imports non coniferous sawnwood to China

Imports in kind, K m³

Non-coniferous sawnwood import volumes into China fell for the third consecutive year. In 2020, import volume reached 9 533 K m³, a decrease of 9.1% from 2019. From 2017 to 2020, imports dropped by 32.4%, corresponding to an annualized rate of 12.2%.

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

During 2017–2020, Thailand (36.9% of imports in volume), the United States (16.0%), and Russia (13.9%) were the main suppliers of non-coniferous sawnwood to China, jointly accounting for 66.8% of total import volume.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

The value of non-coniferous sawnwood imports into China declined for the third year in a row. In 2020, China imported approximately 3 270 M $ US, indicating a significant decrease of 10.9% compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports fell by 37%, with a CAGR of -14.3%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Thailand (28.5% of imports in value), the United States (26.8%), and Russia (7.6%) led as the top suppliers of non-coniferous sawnwood to China, together comprising 62.9% of total import value.

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

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