Non coniferous sawnwood market in Southern Asia

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2020, the non-coniferous sawnwood market in Southern Asia contracted sharply, with volume falling from 46.7 thousand m³ to 26.7 thousand m³. This decline was largely caused by a steep drop in imports, influenced by global supply chain disruptions and tightened export regulations for species such as sandalwood and rosewood. The COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 further disrupted operations, leading to temporary facility closures and a shift in consumer spending toward home improvement projects.

After 2020, the market stabilized around 27–28 thousand m³. Recovery in the construction sector and the launch of new production lines for engineered wood supported domestic output in 2021 and 2022. Entry of new players focusing on value-added products and investments in sustainable forestry practices also contributed. However, in 2023, market volume edged down to 26.7 thousand m³ alongside a moderate dip in production.

Production non coniferous sawnwood in Southern 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

In 2020, Southern Asia produced 25 802 K m³ of non-coniferous sawnwood, showing broad stability compared to 2019. Production decreased by 5.5% between 2017 and 2020, which translates to an annualized rate of 1.9%. The lowest production level was recorded in 2018 at 25 394 K m³, marking the largest decline of 7.0% that year. In contrast, 2019 saw the largest increase of 1.6%.

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

Exports non coniferous sawnwood from Southern Asia

Exports in kind, K m³

In 2020, Southern Asia exported 14 K m³ of non-coniferous sawnwood, representing a 25.3% increase compared to 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, exports grew by 2.1%, with an annualized rate of 0.7%. The lowest export volume was recorded in 2019 at 11 K m³, which saw the largest decline of 44.9%. The highest export volume occurred in 2018 at 20 K m³, accompanied by the largest increase of 48.0% that year.

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

From 2017 to 2020, China, Turkey, and Iraq remained the top buyers of non-coniferous sawnwood from Southern Asia. China accounted for 62.8% of exports in kind, Turkey for 1.5%, and Iraq for 1.1%. Together, these three countries represented 65.4% of total exports in kind during this period.

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, M $ US

The market exhibited volatility over the observed period. Exports reached their lowest point in 2017 and peaked in 2018, with a 2.2-fold difference between these years. In 2020, non-coniferous sawnwood shipments from Southern Asia totaled 2.9 M $ US, indicating a contraction of 36.5% compared to 2019. The highest value was recorded in 2018 at 6.2 M $ US, which also saw the largest increase of 122.1%.

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

Throughout 2017–2020, China dominated the country structure of exports in value terms, accounting for 81.1% of total flows. Other destinations contributed relatively small shares during this period.

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 sawnwood to Southern Asia

Imports in kind, K m³

Market performance showed noticeable fluctuations during the period. Imports reached their lowest point in 2020 and peaked in 2018, with a 24-fold difference between these years. In 2020, Southern Asia's volume of non-coniferous sawnwood imports totaled 902 K m³, representing a sharp decline of 89.3% compared to the previous year. The highest import volume was recorded in 2018 at 21 286 K m³, which also saw the largest increase of 37.6%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Malaysia, Germany, and Gabon formed the core of imports in kind for Southern Asia. Malaysia accounted for 29.2% of imports in kind, Germany for 18.5%, and Gabon for 16.3%. Together, these three countries represented 64.0% of total import flows during this period.

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, M $ US

Non-coniferous sawnwood imports to Southern Asia declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, imports reached 143.5 M $ US, down by 21.2% compared to the previous year. Over the period 2017-2020, imports decreased by 39.2%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of -15.3%.

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

Over 2017–2020, no single market dominated non-coniferous sawnwood imports in value terms. Malaysia accounted for 33.9% of imports in value terms, the United States for 8.9%, and Germany for 6.4%. Together, these three countries represented only 49.2% of total imports in value terms, with many smaller partners each holding modest individual shares.

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

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