Imported Wood Products Show Modest Growth - Forest & Wood Products Australia

Imported wood products under the Harmonised System (HS) Chapter 44 have recorded moderate growth over the past twelve months. This trend contrasts with the broader economic context, where recent GDP data indicates a contraction in overall export–import activity due to ongoing global shocks over the same period.

In the current financial year (FY2025–26), the value of wood product imports is projected to increase by approximately 3–4%, rising from around $2.7 billion to $2.8 billion annually. On a monthly basis, import values are also trending upward, increasing from an average of $230 million in FY2024–25 to approximately $240 million in FY2025–26 (Figure 1). This suggests sustained demand despite broader macroeconomic headwinds.

Figure 1: Trend Imported Wood Products

Four key product categories continue to dominate imports, collectively accounting for close to 80% of total import value. These include:

HS 4412 – Plywood, veneered panels, and similar laminated wood (incl: LVL)
HS 4418 – Builders’ joinery and carpentry of wood
HS 4407 – Wood sawn or chipped lengthwise
HS 4409 – Wood continuously shaped

Among these, plywood, laminated wood products (including LVL), and veneered panels remain the largest category. While monthly values fluctuate—largely reflecting seasonal patterns—annual values show a steady upward trajectory. This category is projected to reach approximately $750 million in FY2026, up from $689 million in FY2025, representing an increase of around 9%.

Builders’ joinery and carpentry products are experiencing modest growth in the current financial year, broadly aligned with trends in residential construction and dwelling activity. The remaining major categories, coniferous sawnwood (HS 4407) and continuously shaped wood products (HS 4409), are also showing gradual increases, further reflecting steady demand within the housing and construction sectors.

Table 1: Monthly Imports value (in AUD)

Overall, imports of wood products are expected to continue growing, supported by the ongoing reliance of the domestic construction supply chain on overseas materials to fill supply gaps. However, the outlook over the next two years remains uncertain. Economic activity is projected to soften, and alternative materials—such as light steel framing—are increasingly penetrating the market, potentially influencing future demand for imported wood products.