Which Country Imports the Most Wood In The Rough in the World?

Global wood imports stood at 242M tonnes in 2016, moving up by 2% against the previous year level. The total import volume increased at an average annual rate of +1.6% over the period from 2007 to 2016; the trend pattern remained consistent, with only minor fluctuations being recorded over the period under review. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2011, an increase of 13% from the previous year level. Global wood import peaked in 2016, and are likely to continue its growth in the near future.

In value terms, wood imports totaled $16B in 2016. Overall, wood imports continue to indicate a relatively flat trend pattern. Over the period under review, global wood imports reached its maximum level of $22B in 2014; however, from 2015 to 2016, it stood at a somewhat lower level.

Top Wood Importing Countries in the World

1. China (8,085.2 million USD)

2. Japan (824.3 million USD)

3. Austria (810.5 million USD)

4. Germany (621.6 million USD)

5. Sweden (373.9 million USD)

6. Canada (291.6 million USD)

7. USA (137.2 million USD)

8. France (131.0 million USD)

9. New Zealand (2.9 million USD)

10. Uruguay (1.5 million USD)

11. Russia (0.5 million USD)

12. Myanmar (0.0 million USD)

Wood Imports By Country

China (42M tonnes), and Russia (31M tonnes) represented roughly 30% of total imports of wood in 2016. The U.S. (21M tonnes) took the second position in the ranking, followed by New Zealand (18M tonnes), and Japan (17M tonnes). All these countries together took approx. 23% share of total imports. The following importers - Austria (7.5M tonnes), Canada (7.3M tonnes), Uruguay (7.1M tonnes), Sweden (6.5M tonnes), Germany (6.2M tonnes), France (5.5M tonnes), and Myanmar (5.3M tonnes) together made up 19% of total imports.

From 2007 to 2016, the most notable growth rate of wood imports, among the main importing countries, was attained by Japan (+59.2% per year), while the other global leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

In value terms, China ($8.1B) constitutes the largest market for imported wood worldwide, making up 50% of global imports. The second position in the ranking was occupied by Japan ($824M), with the share of 5% of global imports. It was followed by Austria, with the share of 5%.

From 2007 to 2016, the average annual growth rate of value of wood imports in China expanded at +4.7%. The remaining importing countries recorded the following average annual rates: Japan (-8.1% per year) and Austria (+0.2% per year).

Wood Import Prices By Country

The average wood import price stood at $67 per tonne in 2016, lowering by -4.3% against the previous year. Overall, wood import price continues to indicate a moderate decline. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2010, when it surged by 22% year-to-year. Global wood import peaked of $92 per tonne in 2014; however, from 2015 to 2016, it failed to regain its strength.

Import prices varied noticeably by country of destination. the country with the highest import prices was China ($192 per tonne), while Uruguay ($0 per kg) was among the lowest.

From 2007 to 2016, the most notable growth rate of wood import prices was attained by Germany (+2.5% per year), while the other global leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

Do you want to know more about global wood market? Get the latest trends and insight from our report. It includes a wide range of statistics on

• wood market share
• wood prices
• wood industry
• wood sales
• wood import
• wood export
• wood market forecast
• wood price forecast
• key wood producers

All data provided in this article covers the following product: HS Code 4403 - Wood in the rough, whether or not stripped of bark or sapwood, or roughly squared.

Source: World: Wood In The Rough - Market Report. Analysis and Forecast to 2025