Wood in the rough market in the Philippines

Earlier Report Observations

The market volume for wood in the rough in the Philippines began a gradual contraction from 10 044 thousand metric tons in 2018 to 9 912 thousand metric tons by 2020. This decline was driven by the long-term downturn in the domestic wood processing industry, prompting the Department of Environment and Natural Resources to consider revisions to forestry policies aimed at revitalizing the sector.

Despite a 2019 focus on expanding industrial tree plantations as a future supply base, domestic production continued to weaken. By 2021, growing demand from private and public construction projects increased the need for imported quality wood, yet persistent domestic supply constraints meant overall market volume kept falling, reaching 9 778 thousand metric tons that year and 9 644 thousand metric tons by 2023.

In 2024, ongoing market adjustments were reflected in regional changes to construction material prices, including lumber, and evolving consumer preferences for convenience and quality, while the Forest Management Bureau enhanced its annual statistical monitoring of wood production and output.

Production wood in the rough in the Philippines

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

Wood in the rough production in the Philippines declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, production reached 9 898 K t, down by 0.9% compared to 2019. The highest production level was recorded in 2018 at 10 014 K t, which also saw the largest annual increase of 0.2%.

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

Exports wood in the rough from the Philippines

Exports in kind, t

The market exhibited volatility during the observed period. Exports reached their lowest point in 2019 at just 2 t, marking a sharp decline of 94.2% from the previous year. The peak was recorded in 2018 at 40 t, resulting in a 17-fold difference between these two years. The largest annual increase occurred in 2018, reaching 440.8%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, China remained the dominant export destination in kind, accounting for 80.5% of total flows, with the remaining share fragmented across other markets.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

Wood in the rough exports from the Philippines declined for the second consecutive year. In 2019, exports totaled 1 K $ US, representing a steep decline of 84.7% compared to the previous year. Between 2017 and 2019, exports decreased by 88.6%, equating to an annualized rate of 51.5%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Canada and the United States formed a dominant pair of markets for exports in value terms, jointly accounting for 83.6% of total flows, while other countries represented the residual share.

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

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

Imports wood in the rough to the Philippines

Imports in kind, t

Market performance showed noticeable fluctuations during the period. Imports reached their lowest point in 2020 at 13 229 t, reflecting a sharp decrease of 67.2% from 2019. The peak was recorded in 2017, creating a 4-fold gap between these years. The largest annual increase occurred in 2019 at 35.2%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, three main markets — Solomon Islands, Malaysia, and the United States — together accounted for 73.5% of total imports in kind of wood in the rough to the Philippines.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

Imported wood in the rough volumes in the Philippines declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, imports came to 3 817 K $ US, indicating a significant drop of 64.5% compared with 2019. Over the period 2017-2020, imports decreased by 67.2%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of -31.0%. The highest value was recorded in 2018 at 14 553 K $ US, which also saw the largest annual increase of 25.1%.

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

Throughout 2017–2020, Solomon Islands (40.7% of imports in value terms), the United States (20.3% of imports in value terms), and Malaysia (19.1% of imports in value terms) formed the core of imports in value terms, together accounting for 80.1% of total flows.

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

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