7 Reasons Why You Should Choose Imported Wood for Your Furniture

Are you looking for high-quality, durable and beautiful wood for your furniture? If so, you might want to consider imported wood. Imported wood is wood that comes from other countries, usually with different climates and ecosystems than your own. Imported wood can offer many benefits that domestic wood cannot, such as:

1. Variety

Imported wood can give you access to a wide range of colors, textures, grains and patterns that you might not find locally. You can choose from exotic woods like mahogany, teak, rosewood, ebony and more, or from more common woods like pine, oak, maple and birch that have different characteristics depending on where they grow.

2. Quality

Imported wood is often harvested from mature trees that have grown for decades or even centuries. This means that the wood is stronger, denser and more resistant to decay, insects and fungi than younger wood. Imported wood also undergoes strict quality control and inspection before it reaches your country, ensuring that it meets the highest standards of excellence.

3. Sustainability

Imported wood can be a more environmentally friendly option than domestic wood, especially if it comes from certified sources that practice responsible forestry. Certified wood is wood that is harvested in a way that preserves the natural resources and biodiversity of the forest, respects the rights and welfare of the workers and communities involved, and follows the laws and regulations of both the exporting and importing countries. By choosing certified imported wood, you can support the conservation of forests around the world and reduce your carbon footprint.

4. Durability

Imported wood can last longer than domestic wood, especially if it is treated properly. Imported wood is often kiln-dried, which means that it is heated to remove excess moisture and prevent warping, cracking and shrinking. Kiln-dried wood is also more stable and less prone to changes in temperature and humidity. Imported wood can also be finished with various coatings and sealants that protect it from stains, scratches, UV rays and water damage.

5. Beauty

Imported wood can enhance the aesthetic appeal of your furniture with its natural beauty and elegance. Imported wood can showcase the unique features and details of each tree species, such as knots, burls, swirls and stripes. Imported wood can also be stained, painted, carved or engraved to create different effects and styles. Whether you want a rustic, modern, classic or eclectic look for your furniture, imported wood can help you achieve it.

6. Value

Imported wood can add value to your furniture and your home with its quality, durability and beauty. Imported wood can make your furniture more attractive and comfortable to use, as well as more durable and long-lasting. Imported wood can also increase the resale value of your furniture and your home, as buyers often appreciate the craftsmanship and uniqueness of imported wood products.

7. Satisfaction

Imported wood can give you satisfaction and pride in owning furniture that is made from the best materials available. Imported wood can reflect your personal taste, style and preferences, as well as your appreciation for nature and culture. Imported wood can also make you feel good about supporting ethical and sustainable practices that benefit the environment and society.

As you can see, imported wood has many advantages over domestic wood when it comes to furniture making. If you want to enjoy these benefits, you should look for reputable suppliers of imported wood in your area or online. You should also check the labels and certificates of the imported wood products you buy to make sure they are authentic and comply with the relevant standards and regulations.

The Rise and Fall of Imported Wood: A Global Perspective

Wood is one of the most versatile and widely used materials in the world. It is used for construction, furniture, paper, fuel, and many other purposes. The global demand for wood and wood products has been increasing steadily over the years, driven by population growth, urbanization, economic development, and environmental concerns. However, not all countries have enough domestic wood resources to meet their needs, and some rely heavily on importing wood from other regions.

In this blog post, we will examine the trends and patterns of imported wood in the global market, using data from various sources. We will also discuss some of the factors that affect the supply and demand of imported wood, such as trade policies, climate change, forest management, and consumer preferences.

The Top Importers and Exporters of Wood

According to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations, the global trade of industrial roundwood (logs and chips) reached a record high of 138 million cubic meters in 2018, an increase of 7 percent from 2017. China was the largest importer of industrial roundwood, accounting for 43 percent of the total imports, followed by Japan (9 percent), the European Union (8 percent), and the United States (7 percent). China’s imports of industrial roundwood grew by 12 percent in 2018, mainly due to its strong demand for softwood logs for construction and furniture.

The top exporters of industrial roundwood in 2018 were New Zealand (18 percent), the Russian Federation (17 percent), the United States (13 percent), Canada (10 percent), and Brazil (6 percent). New Zealand overtook the Russian Federation to become the top exporter of industrial roundwood in 2018, thanks to its abundant plantation forests and favorable exchange rate. The Russian Federation’s exports of industrial roundwood declined by 7 percent in 2018, partly due to its increased export tariffs on logs.

The global trade of wood-based panels (plywood, particleboard, fiberboard, etc.) also reached a record high of 115 million cubic meters in 2018, an increase of 4 percent from 2017. China was again the largest importer of wood-based panels, accounting for 28 percent of the total imports, followed by the United States (14 percent), Germany (6 percent), Japan (5 percent), and India (5 percent). China’s imports of wood-based panels grew by 9 percent in 2018, mainly due to its strong demand for hardwood plywood for furniture and flooring.

The top exporters of wood-based panels in 2018 were China (37 percent), Germany (9 percent), Canada (7 percent), Poland (5 percent), and Malaysia (5 percent). China’s exports of wood-based panels increased by 3 percent in 2018, despite facing trade disputes and anti-dumping measures from some of its major markets, such as the United States and the European Union.

The Factors Influencing the Supply and Demand of Imported Wood

The global market for imported wood is influenced by various factors, such as trade policies, climate change, forest management, and consumer preferences. Some of these factors are discussed below:

Trade policies

Trade policies can have a significant impact on the flow and price of imported wood. For example, the Softwood Lumber Agreement between the United States and Canada regulates the trade of softwood lumber between the two countries, which are both major producers and consumers of wood products. The agreement expired in 2015 and has not been renewed since then, leading to increased uncertainty and volatility in the market. Another example is the European Union Timber Regulation (EUTR), which prohibits the import of illegally harvested timber into the European Union. The EUTR aims to promote legal and sustainable forest management around the world, but it also imposes additional costs and requirements on importers and exporters.

Climate change

Climate change can affect both the supply and demand of imported wood. On the supply side, climate change can alter the growth and health of forests, as well as increase the risk of pests, diseases, fires, storms, and droughts. These factors can reduce the availability and quality of wood resources in some regions, while creating new opportunities in others. On the demand side, climate change can increase the demand for wood products that are considered more environmentally friendly than other materials, such as bioenergy, bioplastics, and biocomposites. However, it can also reduce the demand for wood products that are associated with high carbon emissions or deforestation, such as tropical hardwoods or paper.

Forest management

Forest management refers to how forests are used and managed for various purposes, such as conservation, recreation, production, or restoration. Forest management can affect both the quantity and quality of wood resources available for export or import. For example, forest certification schemes, such as the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) or the Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC), aim to ensure that wood products are sourced from well-managed forests that meet certain environmental, social, and economic standards. Forest certification can increase the value and marketability of wood products, as well as the trust and confidence of consumers. However, it can also increase the costs and complexity of forest management and trade.

Consumer preferences

Consumer preferences refer to the tastes and preferences of consumers for different types of wood products, such as species, quality, design, price, or origin. Consumer preferences can vary widely across different regions, cultures, and segments, and can change over time due to various factors, such as income, education, awareness, fashion, or innovation. Consumer preferences can affect both the demand and supply of imported wood. For example, consumers in some markets may prefer domestic wood products over imported ones, due to their perceived quality, safety, or patriotism. Conversely, consumers in other markets may prefer imported wood products over domestic ones, due to their perceived exoticness, uniqueness, or prestige.

Imported wood is an important component of the global wood market, as it provides a source of raw material, income, and diversity for both importing and exporting countries. The trends and patterns of imported wood reflect the complex interactions of various factors that affect the supply and demand of wood and wood products around the world. Understanding these factors can help stakeholders in the forest sector to anticipate and adapt to the changing market conditions and opportunities.

References:

http://www.agric.wa.gov.au/objtwr/imported_assets/content/lwe/vegt/trees/f08099.pdf

http://www.wood-database.com/lumber-identification/hardwoods/bloodwood/

http://www.prota4u.org/protav8.asp?h=M4&t=Diospyros,crassiflora&p=Diospyros+crassiflora

http://www.worldagroforestrycentre.org/sea/Products/AFDbases/af/asp/SpeciesInfo.asp?SpID=1738

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/1-56158-397-9

https://unece.org/fileadmin/DAM/timber/country-info/statements/usa2020.pdf
https://tradingeconomics.com/united-states/imports-of-lumber-wood-in-the-rough
https://blog.bizvibe.com/blog/largest-wood-producing-countries

https://www.fsc.org/en

https://www.pefc.org/