World Wood Resource Status in Traditional Production and Export Areas

By CnAgri2013-02-25 11:24:59 Print 1. Timber Production and Export in Europe (including Russia)

In terms of timber production and export, the largest contributor is Russia in recent years. In addition Russia, there are many other important countries in Europe, Sweden, for example is the second largest exporter of sawn timber with export volume of 11-12 million cubic meters and its forest stocking volume is 3 billion cubic meters. Besides, its paper product export volume is also great, ranking the fourth in the world. Austria, Germany, Finland and other countries in Europe are also sawn timber export leaders, whose total export volume accounts for 1/5 of global sawn timber export. What’s more, wood species in these countries are also high quality with long export history and great reputation, such as oak in Germany, beech in Austria, spruce in Finland and cork in Portugal.
 
2. American Woods

In North America, America and Canada are the veritable big woods exporters with the former the second largest timber exporter of logs (the export volume is 11 million cubic meters) and the latter the largest panel board exporter (export volume of sawn timber is 40 million cubic meters and panel board, 12.5 million cubic meters ). The main conifer species in America is Douglas fir, but a ferocious hurricane and the devastating floods last year destroyed many conifer forests. U.S. woods production has declined this year and its range is between 3% and 5%. However, the United States exports of timber not only will not be affected, but will also continue with a smaller rate of growth on the basis of great growth (11.4%) last year which can be clearly seen through the export of US broadleaf hardwood. The American broadleaf hardwood have five characteristics: Firstly, a large amount of stocking volume of about 3.2 billion cubic meters; secondly, great annual output. Its annual cutting is about 30 million cubic meters, accounting for 25% of the world's total output of broadleaf hardwood, ranking the first. What’s more, broadleaf hardwood belongs to sustainable resource; thirdly, strict reasonable and fair system of quality, grade, price and gauging; fourthly, diversified varieties. species like red oak, white oak, black walnut, cherry, ash, hickory, red birch, tulip tree wood, etc. are welcomed and favored by the international market; fifthly, outstanding appearance. It has clear texture, vivid color and unique natural characteristics and are welcomed by the global consumer. Main species of American broadleaf hardwood includes sawn timber, lumber, veneer, and decorative strips, etc.

From “China Wood Market Monthly Report”