US imports of hardwood plywood climb to 264,715 m3 in April, up 33% from March with surge in shipments from China to 170,984 from 61,058 m3 driving rebound; imports of furniture up, other wood products stable: ITTO

Wendy Lisney

YOKOHAMA, Japan , July 15, 2013 (International Tropical Timber Organization (ITTO)) – US imports of plywood, including imports from China, recovered in April after a steep drop in March. Furniture imports also grew, while imports of other processed wood products were largely stable compared to the previous month.

Hardwood plywood imports rebounded in April after a steep drop in March. Total hardwood plywood imports were 264,715 m3; in April, up 33% from March. Year-todate imports are 35% higher than in 2012.

The recovery in total imports was due to higher imports from China. China’s shipments increased from 61,058 m3; in March to 170,984 in April (+33% on a year-to-date basis).

Imports from Indonesia fell to 31,322 m3; in April, but year-to-date imports remain 99% above 2012. Imports from Malaysia also decreased from March to 9,046 m3; in April (+23% year-to-date).

Shipments from Ecuador fell to 11,871 m3; (+422% yearto- date), but Ecuador remains the third-largest supplier of hardwood plywood so far in 2013, after China and Indonesia.

Hardwood moulding

Hardwood moulding imports increased in April following two months of low import volumes.

The US imported $14.2 million worth of hardwood moulding (-14% year-to-date). Imports from China increased to $4.7 million, but year-to-date imports from China remain 22% below 2012. Hardwood moulding imports from Brazil decreased to $2.6 million (-28% yearto- date).

Wood flooring

US imports of assembled flooring panels remained steady in April at $7.2 million. However, year-to-date imports are 11% lower than in 2012. Imports from China increased slightly but they remain far below 2012 imports. China’s shipments were $3.3 million (-25% year-to-date).

Hardwood flooring imports continued to decline and total imports fell to just under $2.0 million in April. Year-todate imports are still 20% higher than in 2012. Malaysian hardwood flooring shipments to the US increased to $0.7 million in April (-35% year-to-date).

Source: Tropical Timber Market Report, International Tropical Timber Organization.

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