• Home
  • Roundwood
  • Wood Chips
  • Wood Pellets
  • Sawnwood
  • Furniture
  • Plywood & Veneer
  • Project Experience
  • More
    • Home
    • Roundwood
    • Wood Chips
    • Wood Pellets
    • Sawnwood
    • Furniture
    • Plywood & Veneer
    • Project Experience
  • Home
  • Roundwood
  • Wood Chips
  • Wood Pellets
  • Sawnwood
  • Furniture
  • Plywood & Veneer
  • Project Experience

Wood Chip Trade

International trade in wood chips is driven by demand from the pulp and paper sector, primarily in China and Japan – these markets represent around 65% of all imports. Consequently, the Asia-Pacific region is the global hub of the wood chip trade, supplemented by some supplies from Brazil, South Africa, USA and Chile.


Vietnam is the largest exporter of wood chips globally with 14.4 million oven dry tons (ODT) exported in 2023; a 9% decline from 2022 when the export quantity reached an all-time high; exports primarily supply the Chinese pulp and paper industry (65% in 2023).  The rapid expansion of the pulp and paper industry in China, coupled with the proximity to Vietnam, has been one of the key drivers for Vietnam’s expansion and dominance of the wood chip export market.  The next largest exporter of hardwood chips is Australia, with 4.6 million ODT in 2023. 


A future trend may be a greater reliance on Chinese domestic production, the impact on imports will depend on fluctuations in demand.

Wood Chip Exports - Vietnam

Vietnam has more than tripled production and export of wood chips since 2010.  Over the same time period, the other major exporters of hardwood chips have remained relatively stable, with a decline in Chilean exports and an increase in exports from Thailand.


 A pro-active government policy for acacia plantation establishment on deforested and degraded former natural forest land, has led to the establishment of around 2.2 million ha of acacia plantation in Vietnam. Much of this area is located in the coastal provinces with access to ports. A warm and wet climate, fertile soils, absence of major pest and diseases, and the availability of a low-cost rural workforce have all contributed to the increase in production of acacia wood chips at a lower cost than other established suppliers.  

Contact us to discuss your specific needs and requirements.

We can offer high level analysis at global, regional or national level. We can also offer local level investigation, analysis, evaluation and review.

CONTACT US

woodtradeconsulting.com

Copyright © 2025 woodtradeconsulting.com - All Rights Reserved.

Powered by

This website uses cookies.

We use cookies to analyze website traffic and optimize your website experience. By accepting our use of cookies, your data will be aggregated with all other user data.

DeclineAccept