Within forestry New Zealand, logs and poles are the most commonly exported timber goods, with over half of the exportation gain coming from sales of these to international markets. Wood pulp is also in high demand, as chemical treatment of the pulp is necessary for production of paper and paper products. Currently in New Zealand, most exported wood is Radiata pine, which is used as a structural base, and also a MDF, plywood, and veneer panels [1]. Below is a graph visualising the value of each timber product that is exported internationally.
Looking to the future, exports could be doubled in predicted value by implementing innovative wood-based solutions to meet customers needs, and manufacturing of fibre-based products, with potential in bio-chemicals and bio-fuels [3]. By sucessfully changing how timber products are exported, international customers may benefit from not only log exports, but also a more diverse range of timber and timber by-products to be used in practical ways.
Current Timber Markets
Author: Melanie Husband
The New Zealand forestry industry is the third largest in the country, with over $3 billion worth of exports each year [2]. The demand for timber products is increasing steadily, as the worldwide population increases. Location and accessibility of New Zealand provides many countries and regions with an easy option for importing wood, most of which is exported to Japan, the United States, Australia, and other South-East Asian countries. China and India have recently become key stakeholders in the future potential in exporting to these regions [2].
Currently, New Zealand is supplying less than 2% of the global timber, which could increase if the use of sustainable plantation forestry grows in the long-term. Exports are expected to increase from 16 million cubic metres currently, to over 50 million cubic metres by the year 2025 [2]. This growth is key in ensuring increased exportation to major markets such as China.
