ASIATODAY.ID, ROME — The Asia-Pacific region has emerged as a key driver of the global forest products recovery in 2024, as international trade in wood, paper, and bioenergy materials rebounded following a steep downturn the previous year.
According to Global Forest Products Facts and Figures 2024, released by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) on December 24, 2025, global exports of wood and paper products rose 1.4 percent to USD 486 billion in 2024, marking a turnaround after a 14 percent collapse in 2023.
Within this recovery, Asia-Pacific played a decisive role, underpinned by resilient production, rising consumption, and expanding regional trade flows.
Asia-Pacific Anchors Market Stability
While global sawnwood production remained broadly unchanged, output in the Asia-Pacific region held steady, contrasting with declines in North America. This stability helped anchor global supply chains at a time when several major markets were still adjusting to weaker construction demand and tighter financial conditions.
Asia-Pacific’s manufacturing base also supported demand for paper, paperboard, and wood-based panels, contributing to production increases of 4–5 percent globally across these categories.
Wood-Based Panels: Asia-Pacific Expands Its Footprint
The region strengthened its position in wood-based panels, one of the fastest-growing segments in 2024. Global production of panels rose 5 percent to 393 million cubic metres, with Asia-Pacific among the regions recording sustained output growth.
Trade in panels expanded even faster, up 6 percent to 90 million cubic metres, reflecting strong demand from construction, furniture, and export-oriented manufacturing hubs across East and Southeast Asia.
Wood Pulp and Recovered Paper: Demand Driven by Asian Markets
Asia-Pacific continued to shape global pulp markets, with China remaining a major source of demand for imported wood pulp. Global pulp production climbed 3 percent to 189 million tonnes, while international trade reached a record 73 million tonnes, fueled in part by Asian paper and packaging industries.
Consumption of recovered paper worldwide rose to 243 million tonnes, with Asia-Pacific markets sustaining recycling-based supply chains amid growing demand for packaging linked to e-commerce and manufacturing.
Wood Pellets: Asia-Pacific Rapidly Gains Ground
One of the clearest shifts occurred in the wood pellet market, where Asia-Pacific sharply increased its global share. Regional production climbed from 14 percent in 2020 to 22 percent in 2024, driven by bioenergy targets in Japan and the Republic of Korea, as well as expanding capacity across parts of Southeast Asia.
While Europe remained the world’s largest consumer of wood pellets, accounting for 70 percent of demand, Asia-Pacific consumption reached 28 percent, underscoring the region’s rising influence in global bioenergy trade.
Forests, Industry, and the Asia-Pacific Growth Story
“Forests support millions of livelihoods worldwide, and their economic importance continues to grow, particularly in regions with expanding industrial capacity,” FAO Director-General QU Dongyu said, noting the role of sustainable wood production in supporting long-term development.
As global forest product markets stabilize, FAO data indicates that Asia-Pacific is no longer just a demand center, but a structural pillar of production, trade, and consumption.
With its expanding manufacturing base, bioenergy ambitions, and evolving sustainability standards, the region is set to play an even larger role in shaping the future of global forest products trade. (AT Network)
Follow Us at Google News and WA Channel