Global Trade of Wood and Paper Products

Abstract

Global trade of wood products is accelerating amid shifting regional production of raw materials. At the same time structural change is occurring in regional production and consumption of finished and semi-finished wood and paper products. Some countries which once were major net exporters of wood products, such as the United States, have become major net importers. Conversely, China, a country that not long ago was a major net importer of wood products, is increasingly dominant as an exporter of value-added wood products such as furniture. What are the reasons behind these shifts in sources of supply and demand for wood and wood products?

Direct forces such as population growth and rising socio-economic levels drive demand for wood and paper products. Increasing purchasing power in developing economies empowers consumers, both private and public, to purchase homes, furnishings and accessories. Indirect factors, such promotion of wood, strengthen demand and translate to significant gains in consumption in some markets. Consciousness of climate change and the advantages of wood for products and energy is creating a new impetus for increasing wood products consumption, including wood-derived energy products.

Government and industry policies are important market drivers. Government policies can support increased utilization of wood, or can restrict wood in construction when standards favor competitive building materials. Public procurement policies can be important in this regard. Policies of the wood industry and of companies using wood and paper products, can raise demand, for example through supportive corporate social responsibility programs.

Addressed in this paper are a range of products, from wood raw materials to value-added wood products. Included are analyses of sectors involved in primary