China’s exports of plywood grew 7% year-on-year in 2025 to 12.99 million m3, reaching a record high in volume, according to Lesprom Analytics. The total export value declined 1.9% to $5.17 billion, while the average export price decreased 8.4% to $398 per m3.
The Philippines accounted for 7.6% of total exports, receiving 983 thousand m3, down 3% from 2024. Export value to the Philippines fell 5% to $332 million, and the average price decreased 2.5% to $338 per m3.
The United Arab Emirates imported 934 thousand m3, up 27%, valued at $281 million with an average price of $300 per m3, 7% lower than the previous year. The United Kingdom received 751 thousand m3, a 4% decline, with a value of $302 million and an average price of $402 per m3, down 2%.
Exports to Saudi Arabia rose 22% to 750 thousand m3, totaling $231 million at $308 per m3, 3% lower than 2024. Nigeria imported 644 thousand m3, an increase of 37%, valued at $205 million with an average price of $318 per m3, up 3%.
Shipments to Australia reached 600 thousand m3, up 22%, with an export value of $387 million and an average price of $645 per m3, down 8%. Mexico imported 587 thousand m3, a 37% increase, valued at $204 million with an average price of $348 per m3, 10% lower than a year earlier.
Vietnam received 542 thousand m3, up 5%, with a total value of $202 million and an average price of $372 per m3, down 4%. Japan’s imports decreased 7% to 475 thousand m3, valued at $223 million, while the average price rose 1% to $470 per m3. Israel imported 396 thousand m3, up 11%, valued at $154 million with an average price of $389 per m3, down 5%.
By wood species, hardwood plywood represented 78.2% of total China's plywood exports in 2025, totaling 10.10 million m3 with a value of $4.05 billion and an average price of $401 per m3. Softwood plywood accounted for 15.4% at 2.00 million m3, valued at $680 million and priced at $341 per m3. Tropical plywood made up 6.4% at 827 thousand m3, valued at $384 million and priced at $465 per m3, based on data from Lesprom Analytics.
China’s plywood export volume in 2025 surpassed the previous peak of 12.14 million m3 recorded in 2021.
Image: China’s plywood export volumes by destination, 2015–2025 / Lesprom Analytics
China’s plywood exports to the United States declined by 92% over the past decade, falling from 1.83 million m3 in 2015 to 150 thousand m3 in 2025. The volume decreased steadily after 2017, when exports to the U.S. were 1.6 million m3. By 2020, shipments had dropped below 500 thousand m3, reaching less than one-tenth of their 2015 level by 2025.
The United States was a key market in 2015, accounting for the largest share of China’s plywood exports. By 2025, however, it ranked below the Philippines, the United Kingdom, and the United Arab Emirates in total volume. Total plywood exports to the United States over the 2015–2025 period amounted to 9.45 million m3.
Lesprom Analytics provides verified trade data and market intelligence for the global forest products industry. The platform covers production, exports, imports, and prices across countries. Subscribers access detailed statistics, charts and tables to support investment and market decisions.
