Wood in the rough market in India

Earlier Report Observations

Between 2018 and 2020, India's wood market volume in physical terms declined from 247.6 M t to 230.4 M t, while its value dropped to 40 470 M $ in 2020. This contraction was influenced by reduced imports of softwood due to a domestic fibre deficit and was further exacerbated by global supply chain disruptions during the COVID-19 pandemic. Concurrently, consumer preferences began shifting toward eco-friendly and sustainable wood products, which helped maintain market value despite lower volumes.

From 2021 onward, the market rebounded in value terms, reaching 60 533 M $ by 2023. Policy support through Production Linked Incentive (PLI) schemes for furniture manufacturing encouraged the use of renewable materials and stimulated production. The entry of new players focusing on hybrid materials like recycled wood and bamboo, alongside investments in digital tools such as CAD/CAM and IoT for customization, added premium value to wood products.

In subsequent years, the industry continued to emphasize sustainability and innovation. Government initiatives promoted recycled and hybrid wood products, while blockchain adoption enhanced traceability and consumer trust. The Indiawood 2025 event highlighted technological advancements and international partnerships, further driving quality and design improvements that supported market growth in value despite a gradual decline in physical volume.

Production wood in the rough in India

In kind, 2017-2020, M t

From 2017 to 2020, India held the second position globally in the production of wood in the rough.

Top producers of wood in the rough, 2017-2020

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

India's production of wood in the rough declined for the third year in a row. In 2020, the country produced 228.2 million tonnes, showing no significant change compared to the previous year.

Annual dynamics of production in India in kind, 2017-2020, M t

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Following a two-year increase, India's wood in the rough production volume fell. In 2020, the output was valued at 39 828 million US dollars, marking a significant reduction of 23.9% year-on-year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production decreased by 11.8%, with a compound annual growth rate of 4.1%. The highest value was recorded in 2019 at 52 305 million US dollars, which also saw the largest increase of 9.2%.

Annual dynamics of production in India in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Exports wood in the rough from India

Exports in kind, K t

India's wood in the rough export volume declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, exports amounted to 37 thousand tonnes, representing an 85.0% drop compared to 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, exports decreased by 89.7%, equating to an annualized rate of 53.2%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, two markets—China and Hong Kong—played the leading roles in exports in kind, together accounting for 97.2% of total flows, while the remainder was distributed among other destinations.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

The data reveals irregular changes, indicating a volatile market environment. Exports peaked in 2017 and reached their lowest point in 2020, with an 11-fold difference between these years. In 2020, India's wood in the rough exports totalled 6 million US dollars, down by 88.6% from 2019. The largest increase was recorded in 2019 at 2.9%.

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

Over the period from 2017 to 2020, China and Hong Kong together captured 97.6% of total exports in value terms, with the rest of the flows spread thinly across other markets.

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

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

Imports wood in the rough to India

Imports in kind, K t

India's wood in the rough import volumes declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, imports totalled 2 310 thousand tonnes, representing a sharp decline of 58.9% compared with 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports decreased by 97.7%, with a compound annual growth rate of 71.4%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, imports in kind were distributed across a wide set of partner countries. New Zealand (30.3% of imports in kind), Uruguay (12.0% of imports in kind), and Malaysia (6.6% of imports in kind) jointly accounted for just 48.9% of total flows.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

India's imported wood in the rough volumes declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, imports stood at 649 million US dollars, amounting to a decline of 35.1% from a year earlier. Between 2017 and 2020, imports decreased by 45.5%, equating to an annualized rate of 18.3%.

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

In the period from 2017 to 2020, wood in the rough was supplied to India from a broad set of markets. New Zealand (19.0% of imports in value terms), Malaysia (18.6% of imports in value terms), and Suriname (6.7% of imports in value terms) together accounted for only 44.3% of total imports in value terms, while many smaller destinations formed the remaining 55.7%.

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

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