This website utilises cookies in order to secure its features and facilitate browsing by users, pursuant to its copyright, privacy & cookies policy. By clicking on "OK" button, the user accepts suck cookies' usePrivacy & Cookie policyOK
China:Timber shortages restrain expansion of panel industry
China’s wood-based panel industry has been growing at a
double digit rates in recent years in tandem with its
economy. The country’s total output of wood-based panels
reached 63.94 million m3 in 2005 and is predicted to be
around 80 million m3 by the end of the Eleventh Five-year
Plan in 2010. However, the industry’s expansion is being
constrained by raw material shortages. China’s timber
production from state-owned forests has fallen to about 55
million m3 since the implementation of Natural Forest
Protection Programme (NFPP). Most domestic timber is of
small diameter and not suitable for plywood face and
back. It is not used for fiberboard and particle board due to
its higher prices. Branches and processing residues are not
widely used by wood-based panel enterprises due to
higher transportation costs.
Imported timber with larger diameter and good quality is
suitable for plywood face and back. However, import
prices have been increasing due to log export restrictions
in producer countries. Local experts have recommended
wood-based panel companies to establish raw materials
forest bases, use substitution products (such as shrubs,
bamboo and crop stalks) and recycle waste wood.