China: Rise in fibreboard exports

China Customs data shows fibreboard exports totalled 2.205 million tonnes valued at US$1.194 billion, up 10% in volume but down 0.5% in value over 2022.

Mexico, Nigeria and Saudi Arabia were the top 3 destinations in 2023. Mexico was the largest destination for China’s fibreboard exports in 2023, up 65% to 223,000 tonnes over 2022. China’s particleboard exports to Nigeria rose 7% to 214,000 tonnes valued at US$88 million, down 1.2% over 2022.

In addition, China’s fibreboard exports to Vietnam and Canada in 2023 increased 17% and 37% respectively. In contrast, China’s fibreboard exports to Saudi Arabia, USA and UAE in 2023 fell 10%, 23% and 32% respectively.

The growth in China's fibreboard exports was due to the gradual recovery of fibreboard production capacity and price discounting support which lifted demand.

Sharp decline in fibreboard imports

China’s fibreboard imports were 51,300 tonnes valued at US$48.9 million in 2023, down 45% in volume and 50% in value year on year. New Zealand and Germany were the two top suppliers in 2023. However, China’s fibreboard imports from New Zealand and Germany fell 13% and 55% to 14,500 tonnes and 10,100 tonnes respectively.

In addition, China’s fibreboard imports from Thailand, Belgium, Poland, Spain and Switzerland fell sharply in 2023. In contrast, China’s fibreboard imports from Romania, alone among the top suppliers in 2023, rose 45% to 2,200 tonnes year on year.(Source: timber.fordaq.com)