Overview of exports of wood slabs from China in the first half of 2026

A brief overview of China's wood board exports in the first half of 2026

    Exports of wood slabs from China in the first half of 2026 demonstrate multidirectional dynamics. Plywood and chipboard showed steady growth, while the US market was almost closed to Chinese decorative plywood due to the introduction of anti-dumping and countervailing duties. The main growth drivers were the ASEAN countries, the Middle East and Latin America, where furniture manufacturing and the construction sector are actively developing.

The main export indicators of wood slabs

Plywood: steady growth amid reorientation

    Total plywood exports from China in the first half of 2026 reached 7.85 million m3, which is 21.3% more than a year earlier. In June alone, exports totaled 1.66 million m3, an increase of 51.8% compared to the same period last year.

Key growth drivers:

•     - Expansion of production capacities of furniture factories in Southeast Asia.
•     - High demand for environmentally friendly plates of the ENF class.
•     - Active development of infrastructure and decoration in the Middle East and Africa.

DSP: double growth in the first quarter

    In the first quarter of 2026, chipboard exports increased sharply, doubling compared to the same period last year. The main reasons:

•     - Expansion of furniture production in Southeast Asia.
•     - The demand for environmentally friendly plates of the ENF class.
•     - Growth markets: South Korea, Vietnam, Colombia.

MDF: stable demand

    MDF showed a slight positive growth. The demand for this type of stoves remains stable, mainly due to furniture fittings and interior decoration.

OSB: steady growth and quality improvement

    Oriented chipboard (OSB) showed steady growth. Exports were mainly directed to Southeast Asia and the Middle East. The share of high-quality F-OSB plate continued to grow, which indicates the modernization of the export structure.

Main export markets

Key indicators of wood board exports from China (first half of 2026):

Key industry issues

    1. US Double Anti-dumping barriers

    In August 2026, a comprehensive tax rate of 276.23% was officially introduced for decorative hardwood plywood from China. This has almost completely stopped the direct export of this category to the United States.

Reaction of enterprises:

•     - Reorientation to other markets (ASEAN, Middle East, Africa).
•     - The use of third countries (Vietnam, Indonesia) for cargo transshipment.
•     - Increased risks of compliance with the requirements of the country of origin during transshipment.

2. Growth of production capacity in Southeast Asia

    In Vietnam and Indonesia, the capacities for the production of wood slabs are expanding. Some of the orders are being redirected to these countries, creating competition for Chinese manufacturers.

3. Raising environmental standards

    The EU and the countries of the Middle East have increased their requirements for:

•     - certification of formaldehyde content;
•     - fire resistance;
•     - product traceability.

    This increases export costs for small and medium-sized enterprises that are not ready for rapid adaptation.

General characteristics of wood board exports

1. - The overall growth trend is better than that of other categories. Plywood and chipboard showed strong growth, MDF and OSB showed stable dynamics.
2. - Modernization of the product structure. The export share of high-quality environmentally friendly ENF class panels continues to grow, while the share of inexpensive conventional panels is decreasing.
3. - Market diversification. To avoid high U.S. tariffs, Chinese manufacturers have focused on the ASEAN, Middle East, and Latin American markets.
4. - High quality requirements in European markets. Europe and the UK remain important markets, but with strict environmental certification requirements.

Forecast for the second half of 2026

Short-term forecast:

•     - Plywood and chipboard exports will continue to grow, especially to the ASEAN and Middle East markets.
•     - The U.S. market will remain virtually closed to Chinese decorative plywood.
•     - Competition from manufacturers in Vietnam and Indonesia will increase.

Long-term forecast:

•     - Chinese manufacturers will continue to modernize their products, increasing the share of high-quality environmentally friendly stoves.
•     - The diversification of sales markets will continue, reducing dependence on one region.
•     - Raising environmental standards will become a constant factor affecting the export structure.

Result

    Exports of wood boards from China in the first half of 2026 showed steady growth in the plywood and chipboard segments, while MDF and OSB maintained stable dynamics. The main challenge remains the US anti-dumping barriers (duty 276.23%), which have practically closed the American market for Chinese decorative plywood. In response, manufacturers are actively refocusing on the markets of ASEAN, the Middle East and Latin America, as well as increasing the share of environmentally friendly ENF class plates. Improving environmental standards in Europe and other regions requires additional investments from Chinese enterprises in certification and quality control. In general, the industry demonstrates resilience and the ability to adapt to changing global trade conditions.

Tags: #China #export_woods #plywood #chipboard #MDF #OSB #foreign trade #customs statistics #anti-dumping duties