South Korea, Taiwan Plywood Imports Surge Early 2025; Indonesia Rises as Key Supplier Amid Firm Demand

• 04 Jul 2025, 09:10

South Korea, Taiwan Plywood Imports Surge Early 2025; Indonesia Rises as Key Supplier Amid Firm Demand

JAKARTA, Indonesia – July 4, 2025 – The plywood markets in South Korea and Taiwan have shown remarkable vitality in early 2025, with recent import data revealing substantial increases in supply volumes for both nations. This surge indicates a robust recovery and sustained growth in their respective construction and manufacturing sectors, simultaneously presenting a significant opportunity for Indonesia's plywood industry to further consolidate its position in international trade.

In Taiwan, plywood imports for the January-March 2025 period totaled 192,719 cubic meters (M3). The average monthly volume of 64,240 M3 significantly surpasses the monthly averages recorded in both 2024 and 2023. A similar trend is evident in South Korea, where the first two months of 2025 saw total plywood imports reach 315,473 M3, with a monthly average of 157,736 M3, also marking a considerable increase from previous years. This consistent rise in import volumes reflects strong domestic demand and economic activity across East Asia.

Market analysis indicates that while import volumes have increased, the average value per cubic meter has shown a slight correction. This suggests a backdrop of price pressure in the global market or a shift in consumer preferences towards more competitively priced products. Nevertheless, the overarching increase in import volumes remains a strong indicator of healthy demand.

Indonesia has achieved a notable performance in the South Korean market. During January-February 2025, Indonesia emerged as the largest plywood supplier, with a volume of 73,877 M3, surpassing key competitors such as China and Vietnam. This achievement underscores Indonesia's strategic position as a crucial player in meeting the plywood demands of the Asian market.

Concurrently, in the Taiwanese market, while China maintains a dominant share of approximately 54% of the supply, Indonesia also demonstrated significant growth in its supply volume. This success is attributed not only to volume but also to Indonesia's ability to maintain a competitive average price per cubic meter, often commanding higher values compared to some other suppliers.

The continued dominance of suppliers from the Asian region, particularly China, Indonesia, and Vietnam, in both these markets underscores their manufacturing strength and logistical efficiency. Geographic proximity and substantial production capacities are critical factors in meeting the growing demand from these major importing nations.

For Indonesia's national plywood industry, these trends represent a golden opportunity to enhance production capacity and diversify product offerings. With robust demand from key markets like South Korea and Taiwan, Indonesian exporters are encouraged to further improve quality and efficiency to maintain competitiveness amidst the intense global competition.

This positive momentum is expected to significantly boost the value of Indonesia's wood product exports and contribute substantially to the country's trade balance. Continued synergy between the government and industry players will be crucial in navigating global market dynamics and maximizing the considerable potential of Indonesia's timber sector. (geo_rob)