Plywood Powerhouse: Indonesia's Exports Jump 30% in May, Signaling Strong Global Appetite
Plywood Powerhouse: Indonesia's Exports Jump 30% in May, Signaling Strong Global Appetite
- 07 Aug 2025, 13:06
Jakarta – Indonesia's plywood exports (HS 4412) show compelling dynamics with stable growth trends despite monthly fluctuations from 2024 to mid-2025. The industry's resilience amidst a volatile global economy is a positive signal for both exporters and importers.
Performance in 2024 saw some ups and downs, with export volumes fluctuating between 270,000 and 326,000 cubic meters in the early months. A dip in volume was noted in April and May, followed by a recovery in June. As the year concluded, exports peaked in October and November, driven by strong market demand. This positive momentum has carried into 2025. Monthly comparisons highlight a significant increase in May 2025, with a 27% jump in volume and a 30% surge in value compared to May 2024, confirming robust global demand.
On a cumulative basis, exports from January to May 2025 have grown by 4% in both volume and value compared to the same period in 2024. This balanced growth not only solidifies Indonesia's position as a key player in the global plywood market but also indicates that the industry is adaptable and possesses a strong foundation. The stable volume-to-value ratio suggests that the average selling price of Indonesian plywood remains competitive. While long-term trends are positive, short-term fluctuations are worth noting; for instance, a 0.03% decline in export volume from April to May 2025 was accompanied by a 2% increase in value. This phenomenon suggests an increased average price per unit, potentially driven by demand for higher-specification or value-added products.
A detailed look at product composition reveals that conventional plywood still dominates Indonesia's exports. Plywood products (HS 4412) account for approximately 80% of total volume and 78% of total value. Specifically, plywood with layers of tropical wood and bamboo (HS 44123100) is the primary contributor, with a volume of 974,694 M3 and a value of 455,280,564 USD. However, the industry is also diversifying; blockboard, laminboard, and battenboard (HS 44125xxx) comprise about 18% of total volume and 20% of total value, serving stable demand in construction and furniture applications.
The performance across market regions is varied but generally positive. The United States and Japan remain the top markets. The U.S. is a standout performer, with exports soaring by 31% in volume and 25% in value year-over-year. China and the ASEAN region also show positive trends, with China's export value increasing by a significant 43% and ASEAN's by 3%. In contrast, exports to Korea and the EU-27 experienced declines.
Indonesia’s robust logistics infrastructure is a critical factor in its export success. The majority of plywood exports are concentrated in three key ports. Tanjung Perak is the leading export hub, handling 43.36% of total volume, followed by Tanjung Emas at 31.60% and Tanjung Priok at 15.34%. This concentration of logistics underscores the importance of these ports in supporting the plywood industry's global competitiveness. (geo_rob)