Wood in the rough market in Bangladesh

Earlier Report Observations

In 2018, Bangladesh's wood in the rough market reached 19 096 thousand tons, largely due to significant imports of 2 093 thousand tons. Traditional markets, such as the century-old timber and bamboo bazaar in Dumuria, continued to play a key role in supplying wood and bamboo across the country. However, a shortage of bamboo seeds hindered bamboo production, potentially increasing reliance on wood. In 2019, imports plummeted to 131 thousand tons, pulling the market volume down to 17 227 thousand tons, even as domestic production edged up to 17 096 thousand tons. This production increase was supported by growing demand for local timber and heightened emphasis on quality control and proper measurement in the industry.

The market volume dipped slightly to 17 031 thousand tons in 2020, with production falling to 16 939 thousand tons. This decline coincided with the increased use of bamboo plywood as a popular alternative to wood in construction and furniture, alongside rising demand for bamboo and rattan handicrafts which created new business opportunities. Production recovered to 17 301 thousand tons in 2021, lifting the market volume to 17 368 thousand tons. During this period, the commercial introduction of improved bamboo seedlings and the expansion of private bamboo gardens boosted bamboo availability, likely easing some pressure on forest resources for timber.

Market volume stabilized around 17 300 thousand tons in 2022 and 2023, with minor fluctuations. Production was 17 275 thousand tons in 2022 and 17 121 thousand tons in 2023. The bamboo and rattan sector faced challenges in 2022 due to unfair pricing dampening industry morale, while promotional activities around World Bamboo Day raised awareness of bamboo-based products, factors that indirectly shaped the broader wood market environment.

Production wood in the rough in Bangladesh

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of wood in the rough, 2017-2020

World map of production of wood in the rough, 2017-2020

In 2020, Bangladesh produced 16,939 thousand tonnes of wood in the rough, marking a slight decline of 0.9% compared to the previous year. The largest increase occurred in 2019, with production rising by 0.5%, while the most significant drop was recorded in 2018, also at 0.9%.

Annual dynamics of production in Bangladesh in kind, 2017-2020, K t

Exports wood in the rough from Bangladesh

Exports in kind, K t

In 2019, Bangladesh exported 0.0 thousand tonnes of wood in the rough, representing a sharp decrease of 96.6% from 2018.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Bangladesh in kind, 2017-2020, K t

From 2017 to 2020, South Korea was the dominant market for Bangladesh's exports in kind, accounting for 88.4% of total flows, with all other countries making up the remainder.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from Bangladesh in kind, 2017-2020

Exports in value, K $ US

In 2019, Bangladesh's wood in the rough exports reached 4 thousand US dollars, reflecting a steep year-on-year decline of 38.0%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Bangladesh in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

Between 2017 and 2020, South Korea and Russia were the clear leaders in Bangladesh's export partner structure in value terms, while other countries comprised the rest of the share.

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

World map of product's exports from Bangladesh in value, 2017-2020

Imports wood in the rough to Bangladesh

Imports in kind, K t

The market experienced notable fluctuations during this period. Imports peaked in 2018 at 2,093 thousand tonnes, then fell sharply by 93.8% in 2019 to reach their lowest point, resulting in a 23-fold difference between the peak and trough from 2018 to 2020. In 2020, imports rebounded slightly to 92 thousand tonnes, but this still represented a sudden drop of 29.3% compared to 2019. The largest increase was recorded in 2018, at 211.4%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Bangladesh in kind, 2017-2020, K t

From 2017 to 2020, Cameroon (31.6% of imports in kind), the United States (27.8%), and Suriname (13.3%) were the key partners for Bangladesh's wood in the rough imports in kind, collectively representing 72.7% of total flows.

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

World map of product's imports to Bangladesh in kind, 2017-2020

Imports in value, K $ US

The market displayed volatility over the observed period. Imports in value terms reached their highest point in 2018 at 96,472 thousand US dollars, then declined by 77.1% in 2019 to hit the lowest level, creating a 6.3-fold amplitude between the peak and trough from 2018 to 2020. In 2020, imports stood at 15,407 thousand US dollars, down by 30.2% compared to 2019. The largest increase was recorded in 2018, at 4.9%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Bangladesh in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

Between 2017 and 2020, Cameroon (29.9% of imports in value terms), Myanmar (22.2%), and Suriname (13.3%) were the largest suppliers of wood in the rough to Bangladesh, together accounting for 65.3% of total imports in value terms.

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

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