Wood in the rough market in Myanmar

Earlier Report Observations

The market volume for wood in the rough in Myanmar remained remarkably stable from 2018 to 2023, fluctuating between 27 638 and 27 717 thousand tons. This stability in domestic availability was underpinned by consistent production levels, which were supported by the government's forestry policy reforms initiated in 2018, including the timber legality verification system, and the continued role of state-owned enterprises like the Myanmar Rice Trading Company (MRT) as a major exporter. Initial interest from foreign investors in high-value wood processing also helped maintain industrial activity.

Fluctuations in the market size were primarily due to changes in export volumes. Exports saw a significant increase in 2019, corresponding with reported shipments to markets like the United States. However, this trend reversed in 2020 as the domestic political and economic situation began to negatively impact timber trade operations and access to foreign markets. A later surge in exports in 2021 occurred amid ongoing policy reforms and revelations about illegal timber trade, though this was short-lived.

From 2022 onward, export volumes fell sharply due to the European Union's sanctions against entities linked to Myanmar's timber trade and the stricter enforcement of the EU Timber Regulation (EUTR), which directly restricted key export channels. By 2023, the market continued to face challenges from declining consumption and export demand, leading to a further contraction in overseas shipments, even as domestic production capacity remained unchanged.

Production wood in the rough in Myanmar

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

From 2017 to 2020, Myanmar ranked as the 20th largest producer of wood in the rough globally.

Top producers of wood in the rough, 2017-2020

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

In 2020, Myanmar produced 27 721 thousand tons of wood in the rough, showing little change from the previous year. The most significant decline occurred in 2018, at 0.0%, while the largest increase was also recorded in 2018, at 0.0%.

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

Exports wood in the rough from Myanmar

Exports in kind, t

The data shows irregular changes, pointing to a volatile market environment. The minimum value was recorded in 2018 at 8 245 tons, while the maximum was in 2019 at 83 215 tons, representing a 10.1-fold difference. In 2020, cross-border shipments of wood in the rough from Myanmar reached 25 418 tons, a decrease of 69.5% compared to 2019. The largest decline occurred in 2018 at 85.5%, and the largest increase was in 2019 at 909.2%.

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

Throughout 2017 to 2020, China, India, and Thailand remained the main markets for Myanmar's wood in the rough exports in kind. China accounted for 41.2% of exports, India for 31.8%, and Thailand for 8.0%, together making up 81.0% of total flows.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

Market performance showed noticeable fluctuations during this period. The minimum value was recorded in 2018 at 2 305 thousand US dollars, while the maximum was in 2019 at 30 707 thousand US dollars, a 13.3-fold shift. In 2020, wood in the rough volumes leaving Myanmar totaled 5 144 thousand US dollars, marking a dramatic loss of 83.2% compared to 2019. The largest increase occurred in 2019 at 1,232.3%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, India, China, and Thailand were the primary buyers of wood in the rough from Myanmar in value terms. India accounted for 46.8% of exports, China for 22.0%, and Thailand for 9.0%, jointly representing 77.7% of total exports in value.

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

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

Imports wood in the rough to Myanmar

Imports in kind, t

Imported wood in the rough volumes in Myanmar increased for the second consecutive year. In 2019, import volume totaled 239 tons, up by 77.7% year-over-year. Between 2017 and 2019, imports grew by 210,626.3%, with a compound annual growth rate of 1,182.1%.

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

Throughout 2017 to 2020, China and Thailand were the principal sources for imports in kind, with their combined share reaching 99.9% of total flows.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

Imported wood in the rough volumes in Myanmar increased for the second consecutive year. In 2019, import volume totaled 110 thousand US dollars, reflecting a strong rise of 16.3% compared to 2018. Between 2017 and 2019, imports increased by 3,420.7%, equating to an annualized rate of 227.7%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the United States, China, and Thailand were the primary suppliers of wood in the rough to Myanmar in value terms. The United States accounted for 33.9% of imports, China for 33.2%, and Thailand for 15.1%, together making up 82.2% of total imports in value.

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

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