Wood in the rough market in Australia

Earlier Report Observations

Australian production of wood in the rough fell from 24 164 thousand tons in 2018 to 18 716 thousand tons in 2023. This decline was driven by a drop in structural timber production to under 1.8 million cubic meters in 2020 and a continued decrease in output from native forests, part of a two-decade trend.

Market volume for wood in the rough fluctuated during the period, rising to 19 672 thousand tons in 2021 due to a sharp contraction in exports. This followed a shift in export patterns toward smaller-diameter logs with reduced volumes. Subsequently, lower export volumes contributed to a gradual decline in market size to 18 233 thousand tons by 2023.

Production wood in the rough in Australia

In kind, 2018-2021, K t

From 2018 to 2021, Australia ranked 22nd globally in the production of wood in the rough.

Top producers of wood in the rough, 2018-2021

World map of production of wood in the rough, 2018-2021

Australia's production of wood in the rough declined for the third year in a row. In 2021, the country produced 20 130 K t, marking a modest decrease of 7.1% compared to 2020. Over the period from 2018 to 2021, production fell by 16.7%, which translates to an annualized decline rate of 5.9%.

Annual dynamics of production in Australia in kind, 2018-2021, K t

Exports wood in the rough from Australia

Exports in kind, K t

The market displayed an unstable trend during this period. Exports reached their lowest point in 2021 and peaked in 2020, with a 9.7-fold difference between these years. In 2021, Australia's foreign supplies of wood in the rough totaled 466 K t, representing a sharp contraction of 89.6% year-over-year. The highest value was recorded in 2020 at 4 501 K t, while the largest increase occurred in 2019 with a rise of 10.7%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Australia in kind, 2018-2021, K t

Between 2018 and 2021, China accounted for 88.4% of total exports in kind, with the remaining volume distributed among numerous countries, each holding smaller individual shares.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

Australia's exports of wood in the rough in value terms declined for the third consecutive year. In 2021, the country exported 155.1 M $ US, showing a sharp drop of 61.6% compared to the previous year. From 2018 to 2021, exports decreased by 67.6%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of -31.3%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Australia in value, 2018-2021, M $ US

From 2018 to 2021, China was the primary destination for exports in value terms, making up 82.7% of total flows, while other markets contributed smaller shares, forming a long tail of partners.

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

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

Imports wood in the rough to Australia

Imports in kind, K t

The data shows irregular changes, indicating a volatile market environment. Imports hit their lowest point in 2018 and peaked in 2021, with a 7.2-fold increase over this period. In 2021, cross-border shipments of wood in the rough to Australia reached 8 K t, reflecting an abrupt gain of 416.6% relative to the prior year. The largest decline was recorded in 2020 at 73.3%, while the largest increase occurred in 2019 with a jump of 424.0%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Australia in kind, 2018-2021, K t

Between 2018 and 2021, no single market dominated Australia's imports of wood in the rough in kind. Mauritius (35.3% of imports), South Africa (3.3%), and New Zealand (2.5%) together accounted for 41.1% of total imports, with many smaller partners each holding modest individual shares.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

The market exhibited volatility over the observed period. Import volumes bottomed out in 2020 and peaked in 2018, with a threefold difference between these years. In 2021, Australia imported 1.8 M $ US of wood in the rough, up by 116.2% compared to the previous year. The minimum value was recorded in 2020 at 0.8 M $ US, and the largest decline occurred in 2020 with a drop of 64.4%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Australia in value, 2018-2021, M $ US

From 2018 to 2021, Mauritius (68.6% of imports in value terms), Malaysia (7.0%), and South Africa (1.7%) together absorbed 77.3% of total imports of wood in the rough to Australia, positioning them as the main sources.

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

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