Non coniferous sawnwood market in Eastern Asia

Earlier Report Observations

The non-coniferous sawnwood market in Eastern Asia contracted from 60.7 thousand m³ in 2018 to 49.1 thousand m³ in 2019. This decline coincided with the U.S.-China trade dispute, which triggered retaliatory tariffs on American hardwood and curtailed its sales in China. Concurrently, China grappled with structural challenges in securing stable timber supplies, necessitating long-term policy planning.

Market volume recovered to 53.6 thousand m³ in 2020 and reached 54.3 thousand m³ in 2021. Domestic production expanded during these years, compensating for pandemic-related import disruptions and price surges that strained supply chains.

A severe contraction to 42.6 thousand m³ followed in 2022, driven by a global slowdown in construction activity that weakened demand and exacerbated by intense forest fires which disrupted raw log availability. A partial rebound to 44.9 thousand m³ in 2023 was supported by a steep fall in international lumber prices, including a significant drop in U.S. producer prices, which lowered costs for importing countries.

Production non coniferous sawnwood in Eastern Asia

In kind, 2017-2020, K m³

Top producers of non coniferous sawnwood, 2017-2020

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

After a two-year decline, Eastern Asia's non-coniferous sawnwood production increased in 2020. Production reached 43 787 K m³ that year, marking a 14.3% rise compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, production decreased by 10.2%, with a compound annual growth rate of 3.5%. The lowest production level was recorded in 2019 at 38 323 K m³, which also saw the largest decline of 19.1%.

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

Exports non coniferous sawnwood from Eastern Asia

Exports in kind, K m³

Market performance showed noticeable fluctuations during this period. Exports peaked in 2017, then fell to their lowest point in 2018 at 85 K m³, representing a 3.4-fold difference between these years. In 2020, Eastern Asia's non-coniferous sawnwood export volume was recorded at 98 K m³, down 37.8% from 2019. The largest decline occurred in 2018 at 70.4%, while the largest increase was recorded in 2019 at 83.8%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Eastern Asia's non-coniferous sawnwood exports were distributed across a broad range of buyers. Vietnam accounted for 16.0% of exports in kind, the United States for 12.6%, and Germany for 4.0%. Together, these three countries represented only 32.5% of total exports in kind, with many other countries holding smaller but significant shares.

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

Eastern Asia's non-coniferous sawnwood exports declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, exports reached 104 M $ US, showing a controlled decrease of 8.9% from 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, exports decreased by 34.4%, equating to an annualized rate of 13.1%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Eastern Asia's non-coniferous sawnwood exports in value terms were characterized by a broad spread across markets. The United States accounted for 19.6% of exports in value terms, Vietnam for 7.0%, and Germany for 5.9%. Together, these three countries represented only 32.5% of total export flows.

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 non coniferous sawnwood to Eastern Asia

Imports in kind, K m³

Eastern Asia's non-coniferous sawnwood imports declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, imports amounted to 9 972 K m³, which is 8.6% less than the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, imports decreased by 31.4%, equating to an annualized rate of 11.8%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Thailand accounted for 35.6% of imports in kind, the United States for 16.0%, and Russia for 13.4%. Together, these three countries represented 65.1% of total imports in kind, remaining the main sources for non-coniferous sawnwood to Eastern Asia.

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

Non-coniferous sawnwood deliveries to Eastern Asia declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, imports were recorded at 3 543 M $ US, down 11.2% from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports decreased by 35.9%, with a compound annual growth rate of 13.8%.

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

Throughout 2017-2020, the United States accounted for 26.8% of imports in value terms, Thailand for 26.6%, and Russia for 7.2%. These three countries formed the key group of partners for imports in value terms of non-coniferous sawnwood to Eastern Asia, jointly representing 60.6% of total flows.

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

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