Sawnwood Trade
Sawnwood is processed roundwood that has been cut into strips, ready for use in construction or the manufacture of solid wood products (e.g. furniture.) Typically, sawnwood production occurs close to forests to minimize roundwood transportation costs.
Rudimentary sawmills can be relatively inexpensive and serve as an effective way to add value, while modern, high-efficiency sawmills can have high recovery rates, thereby reducing residues and maximizing the production of higher value products.
International trade in sawnwood averages around 150 million cubic metres per annum.
Sawnwood - Import & Export
Sawnwood - Top 20 Importing Countries (2019-23)
China and the USA are the largest importers of sawnwood, accounting for 21.6% and 18.5% of all imports in recent years, respectively. Both countries import from their nearby neighbours: China sources sawnwood from Russia, while the USA imports from Canada. The UK ranks as the third largest importer of sawnwood.
Sawnwood - Top 20 Exporting Countries (2019-23)
Russia and Canada are the dominant global exporters of sawnwood, accounting for an average of 18.6% and 17.4% of the total sawnwood trade. Russian exports have been affected by sanctions, while Canadian exports face challenges due to trade conflicts with the USA.