In the first half of 2024, China's particleboard trade saw significant changes, both in terms of exports and imports. According to China Customs, particleboard exports reached 225,000 tonnes, marking a 19% increase compared to the same period in 2023. The strongest growth in exports was observed in China’s top four markets: Taiwan P.o.C, Mongolia, Nigeria, and Vietnam, with exports to these countries rising by 41%, 36%, 30%, and 103% respectively.

However, not all destinations saw an increase in Chinese particleboard exports. For instance, exports to Chile, UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Indonesia experienced declines of 6%, 6%, 46%, and 9% respectively compared to the same period in 2023.

On the import side, China imported 362,000 tonnes of particleboard, with a total value of US$148 million. This represents a 14% increase in volume and a 5% increase in value over the first half of 2023. Notably, imports from Poland surged by over 600%, reaching 26,000 tonnes. This growth in trade was further facilitated by the China-Europe railway, which saw an 11% rise in cargo transportation during the first seven months of 2024 compared to the same period in 2023.

China also recorded significant increases in particleboard imports from Brazil, Belarus, and Vietnam, up by 74%, 63%, and 59% respectively compared to the same period in 2023. On the other hand, imports from Romania and Russia fell by 52% and 48% respectively.

Top Destinations for China’s Particleboard Exports, First Half 2024 (tonnes)

Source: China Customs

This shift in particleboard trade underscores China's evolving trade dynamics in 2024, with export growth driven by rising demand from several key markets and a diversification of import sources.