Despite disrupted trade due to the pandemic, United States hardwood exports to China began to rebound in 2020 after a dip in 2019.
According to the US Department of Agriculture, the total value of American hardwood exports to China reached US$1.15 billion in 2020, a year-on-year growth of 1.6%. The value of log exports increased 3.2% to US$368 million, wood panel exports increased 1% year on year to US$780.7 million. In particular, the value of American hardwood flooring exports increased 22% year on year to US$1.96 million.
In 2020, China’s consumption of hardwood products such as logs, wood panel, veneers and flooring rose from 2% to 14% year on year and is expected to keep rising. The most popular American hardwoods in the Chinese market are red oak, walnut, ash, white oak, cherry and tulipwood and these timbers accounted for more than US$710.6 million or 92% of all US hardwood timber exports to China.
In 2020, the Chinese market consumed 87% of American cherry exports, 66% of red oak exports, 59% of ash exports, 53% of walnut and 44% of red birch exports.
Source: ITTO
