Particle board of wood market in New Zealand

Earlier Report Observations

The New Zealand particle board market experienced fluctuations in volume from 2018 to 2021, declining to 63.8 thousand m³ in 2019 before recovering strongly to reach 98.2 thousand m³ in 2021.

Market volume stabilized near 97.3 thousand m³ in 2022 as declining wood processing volumes due to ageing infrastructure, reduced investment, and mill closures constrained production, while rising mass timber production and new dwelling consents supported demand. However, by 2023 the market contracted to 90.0 thousand m³ as the decline in mass timber and new housing indices reduced domestic consumption, and closure considerations for major sawmills accelerated the loss of domestic processing capacity.

Subsequently, weak domestic demand and slow market conditions continued to pressure production, compounded by high energy prices and increased labor costs eroding margins. Export revenue for wood products grew, contributing to a record trade surplus, while industry transformation plans aimed to support the forestry and wood processing sector.

Production particle board of wood in New Zealand

In kind, 2018-2021, K m³

Top producers of particle board of wood, 2018-2021

World map of production of particle board of wood, 2018-2021

New Zealand's particle board production increased in 2021 after two years of decline. The country produced 140.6 thousand cubic meters of particle board, marking a 15.1% increase from 2020. Production reached its lowest point in 2020 at 122.2 thousand cubic meters. The largest annual decline occurred in 2019, when production fell by 9.6%. Overall, between 2018 and 2021, production decreased by 5.9%, which translates to an average annual decline of 2.0%.

Annual dynamics of production in New Zealand in kind, 2018-2021, K m³

Exports particle board of wood from New Zealand

Exports in kind, m³

In 2021, New Zealand exported 48,549 cubic meters of particle board, representing a 6.7% year-over-year increase. Exports peaked in 2019 at 79,890 cubic meters and dropped to their lowest level in 2020 at 45,491 cubic meters. The largest annual decline was recorded in 2020, when exports fell by 43.1%. From 2018 to 2021, total exports decreased by 38.4%, averaging an annual decline of 14.9%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from New Zealand in kind, 2018-2021, m³

Between 2018 and 2021, Japan was the leading buyer of particle board from New Zealand, accounting for 76.8% of total exports by volume. Other countries collectively made up the remaining share.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's exports from New Zealand in kind, 2018-2021

Exports in value, K $ US

After two years of decline, New Zealand's particle board exports in value terms increased in 2021. Exports totaled 18,813 thousand US dollars, up 3.9% from the previous year. The lowest value was recorded in 2020 at 18,111 thousand US dollars, with the largest annual decline of 16.6% occurring that year. Over the period from 2018 to 2021, exports decreased by 23.5%, equivalent to an average annual decline of 8.5%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from New Zealand in value, 2018-2021, K $ US

From 2018 to 2021, Japan remained the primary market for New Zealand's particle board exports in value terms, representing 80.1% of total export value. The rest was distributed among other countries.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's exports from New Zealand in value, 2018-2021

Imports particle board of wood to New Zealand

Imports in kind, m³

New Zealand's particle board imports declined for the second consecutive year in 2021, reaching 6,155 cubic meters, a modest 5.8% decrease from 2020. Imports peaked in 2019 at 8,572 cubic meters, with the largest annual increase of 54.9% occurring that year. The largest annual decline was in 2020, when imports fell by 23.8%. Overall, between 2018 and 2021, imports increased by 11.2%, averaging an annual growth rate of 3.6%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to New Zealand in kind, 2018-2021, m³

From 2018 to 2021, China, Germany, and the United Kingdom were consistently the main sources of particle board imports to New Zealand by volume. China accounted for 58.6% of imports, Germany for 15.0%, and the United Kingdom for 7.8%, together making up 81.3% of total import volume.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's imports to New Zealand in kind, 2018-2021

Imports in value, K $ US

In 2021, New Zealand's particle board imports in value terms reached 3,273 thousand US dollars, a significant 39.1% increase from the previous year. The largest annual decline was in 2020, when imports fell by 5.2%, while the largest increase occurred in 2019 at 41.3%. Between 2018 and 2021, imports grew by 86.3%, averaging an annual increase of 23.0%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to New Zealand in value, 2018-2021, K $ US

Between 2018 and 2021, China, Germany, and the United Kingdom were the principal sources of particle board imports to New Zealand in value terms. China represented 55.6% of import value, Germany 20.6%, and the United Kingdom 9.6%, collectively accounting for 85.8% of total import value.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's imports to New Zealand in value, 2018-2021