**Trade data shows that the global timber trade landscape is undergoing significant adjustments. In the first nine months of 2025, Malaysia's fiberboard exports to China reached 1,400 tons, up 683% year on year, making it China's fastest-growing supplier. This increase reflects a recovery in domestic manufacturing demand, while also showing that the structure of global supply chains is evolving.

During the same period, China's total fiberboard imports increased by 16% year on year to 45,000 tons, accounting for about half of global supply. As a traditional strong supplier, New Zealand remained the top exporter to China, with exports rising 95% to 22,000 tons. Meanwhile, exports from Thailand and Germany to China declined to varying degrees, indicating dynamic adjustments in the supply pattern.

Industry analysts pointed out that downstream manufacturers are increasing production investment again after a period of adjustment, injecting new momentum into the market. Notably, China's own fiberboard exports have performed strongly. Data from the International Tropical Timber Organization (ITTO) shows that in the first three quarters of 2025, China's fiberboard exports increased by 35% year on year to 2.62 million tons. Vietnam remained the largest overseas market, with imports surging 126% to 501,000 tons. Emerging markets such as Saudi Arabia, Mexico, and the United Arab Emirates also recorded significant growth, showing that the penetration of Chinese manufacturing in the global supply chain is still strengthening.

By contrast, China's wooden furniture exports came under pressure during the same period. Data shows that export value in the first nine months fell 7% year on year to USD 16.69 billion, with exports to the U.S. market plunging 18% to USD 4.24 billion, which was the main factor behind the overall export decline. At the same time, China's exports to markets such as the United Kingdom and Australia remained resilient, reaching USD 1.2. billion and USD 1.1. billion, respectively.

Industry observers noted that the situation of "active fiberboard exports and pressured furniture exports" reflects that end consumption is greatly affected by external market fluctuations, highlighting pressure for industrial chain upgrading and market diversification.

Trade data also shows that against the backdrop of China-U.S. trade friction, Malaysia's imports of wooden furniture from China increased against the trend by 18% to USD 445 million, while China's total imports of wooden furniture fell 6% to USD 461 million. Although Italy maintained a 46% share, its shipment volume declined, while emerging sources such as Thailand and Slovakia began to stand out.

Source: 77 Degrees