Veneer sheets market in Australia and New Zealand

Earlier Report Observations

The market volume for veneer sheets in Australia and New Zealand declined from 308 thousand m³ in 2018 to 142 thousand m³ in 2022. This contraction was initially influenced by strict environmental regulations and the availability of substitutes, which restrained market growth. The COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 further reduced construction demand and disrupted production, contributing to the downward trend.

A recovery emerged in 2023, with market volume rising to 165 thousand m³. This increase was primarily driven by a sharp drop in export volumes and prices, which made more product available domestically. During the period, innovation affected the competitive landscape, such as Metsä Wood's launch of a durable composite formwork panel in late 2022. Technological advances in adhesives and veneer grading continued, while companies like Austral Plywoods remained key players and consumer preferences shifted toward certified sustainable products.

Production veneer sheets in Australia and New Zealand

In kind, 2018-2021, K m³

Top producers of veneer sheets, 2018-2021

World map of production of veneer sheets, 2018-2021

Production of veneer sheets in Australia and New Zealand fell for the second year in a row. In 2021, output stood at 243.0 K m³, marking a 27.6% drop from the previous year. Over the period from 2018 to 2021, production declined by 30%, which translates to an average annual decrease of 11.2%. The peak was reached in 2019, with 347.5 K m³ produced, while the largest year-on-year increase occurred that same year, at just 0.1%.

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

Exports veneer sheets from Australia and New Zealand

Exports in kind, K m³

Exports of veneer sheets from Australia and New Zealand also decreased for the second consecutive year. In 2021, shipments totaled 104.4 K m³, down by 5.4% compared to 2020. Looking at the broader timeframe from 2018 to 2021, exports actually rose by 14.6%, averaging a 4.7% annual growth. The highest export volume was recorded in 2019 at 124.8 K m³. That year saw the largest increase, with a jump of 37.1%, while the sharpest decline occurred in 2020, when exports fell by 11.6%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, the Philippines, Malaysia, and the United States were the primary destinations for veneer sheet exports from Australia and New Zealand. Together, they accounted for 82.3% of total exports by volume. Specifically, the Philippines took 38.7%, Malaysia 31.1%, and the United States 12.5%.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

After two years of decline, veneer sheet exports from Australia and New Zealand in value terms rebounded in 2021. Exports reached 37 280 K $ US, up by 5.2% from 2020. However, over the full 2018–2021 period, export value fell by 34%, averaging a 12.9% annual decrease. The lowest point was in 2020, at 35 425 K $ US, which also saw the steepest drop of 29.5%.

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

In value terms, the Philippines, Malaysia, and the United States remained the key export partners from 2018 to 2021. Collectively, they represented 79.8% of total export value, with the Philippines at 34.7%, Malaysia at 34.1%, and the United States at 10.9%.

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

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

Imports veneer sheets to Australia and New Zealand

Imports in kind, K m³

Imports of veneer sheets into Australia and New Zealand rose in 2021, reaching 32.5 K m³—a 23.0% increase from the previous year. Despite this uptick, imports fell by 37.4% overall between 2018 and 2021, averaging a 14.4% annual decline. The lowest import volume was in 2020 at 26.4 K m³, while the peak was in 2019 at 65.1 K m³. The largest decrease occurred in 2020, with a 59.4% drop, whereas the biggest increase was in 2019, at 25.4%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, the United States, Italy, and Germany were the main sources of veneer sheet imports by volume for Australia and New Zealand. Together, they made up 59.6% of total imports, with the United States contributing 35.8%, Italy 13.4%, and Germany 10.4%.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

Imports of veneer sheets in value terms grew for the second straight year in Australia and New Zealand. In 2021, import value hit 15 034 K $ US, a significant 17.1% rise from 2020. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 12 441 K $ US, which also experienced the largest decline of 18.0%.

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

The import market in value terms from 2018 to 2021 was quite diversified. Italy, the United States, and Malaysia were the top partners, but together they accounted for only 44.1% of total imports—Italy at 16.7%, the United States at 14.9%, and Malaysia at 12.5%. The remaining 55.9% was spread across numerous other countries.

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

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