China’s plywood exports totaled 10.77 million cubic metres in 2015 valued at USD5.5 billion, a year on year decline of 8% in volume and 5% in value.
Chinese plywood exporters shipped to multiple markets in 2105. The main markets in terms of value were the USA (17%), UAE (6.8%), UK (6.7%), Japan (6.2%), South Korea (6.1%), Philippine (5.6%) and Saudi Arabia (4.6%).
Top 10 destination countries of plywood exports
| Volume m3 | Change in % 2014-2015 | |
| USA | 1,830,000 | 9% |
| UAE | 730,000 | 5% |
| UK | 720,000 | 1% |
| Japan | 670,000 | -19% |
| South Korea | 660,000 | -7% |
| Philippines | 600,000 | -11% |
| Saudi Arabia | 490,000 | -18% |
| Taiwan P.O.C. | 290,000 | -11% |
| Vietnam | 280,000 | 5% |
| Thailand | 280,000 | -11% |
Data source: China Customs
The value of plywood exports to the top 10 markets accounted for 61% of all 2015 plywood exports.
The 2015 average price for plywood exported to developed countries was higher than to less developed countries because of quality and end-use differences. In 2015 the average price of plywood shipped to the UAE, Philippines and Saudi Arabia rose 19%, 3% and 7% respectively but average prices for the US, Japanese and South Korean markets declined in 2015.
Average plywood prices to top 10 markets
| Average price US$/m3 | Change in % 2014-2015 | |
| USA | 753 | -1% |
| UAE | 435 | 19% |
| UK | 494 | 1% |
| Japan | 465 | -7% |
| South Korea | 381 | -2% |
| Philippines | 443 | 3% |
| Saudi Arabia | 331 | 7% |
| Taiwan P.O.C. | 366 | -3% |
| Vietnam | 433 | 0% |
| Thailand | 357 | -5% |
Data source: China Customs
The main exit points for plywood exports in 2015 were Nanjing and Qingdao ports which accounted for 40% and 36% respectively of the national total.
Plywood exports through Tianjin ports plummeted 47% but the average price of shipments surged 64%.
The average price for plywood exports through Shanghai and Nanjing ports rose 6% and 2% respectively but the average prices through the rest of the ports declined on varying degree.
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