Wood Product Imports Up 25.1% in 2014

The value of imported wood products rose 25.1% in the year ended December 2014, compared with 2013, totaling AUD1.542 Billion. Import values have grown strongly, with records being consistently achieved throughout 2014.

Most notable in the monthly data displayed in the following chart is the month of October 2014, during which imports totaled a monthly record of AUD158.7M that was followed in November by the second highest ever value of imports.

Fig 9

For further details, go to the FWPA Data Dashboard. 

Statistics Count has already addressed imports of mouldings and the very sharp rise experienced in 2014, however, the specific import data provides further interest.

As anticipated, the value of imports of coniferous sawnwood rose strongly, by 18.6% over 2014, compared with 2013. The total value reached AUD314.6M for the year, while sawn hardwood imports were valued 43.7% higher at AUD46.5M.

Indicative of the nature of demand as housing approvals and commencements continue to rise, the Builder’s Joinery grouping (4418) saw import values rise 30.2% to AUD347.3M. After Mouldings, this is the largest value grade of imports.

Details from the FWPA Data Dashboard show imports of Builders Joinery broken down further. The chart below shows this data for the year to end December 2013 and 2014.

Fig 10

For further details, go to the FWPA Data Dashboard. 

All major grades of imported building joinery enjoyed rises in value over 2014, with the largest value unfortunately described as ‘Other’ (4418.90.00.37) and including no further definition, accounting for AUD150.6M of imports, up 34.1% for the year ended December 2014, compared with 2013.

The full details can be examined on the FWPA Data Dashboard, but for ease of analysis, the table below shows the Builders’ Joinery grade alongside their codes.