Vietnam exported 13.6 million tons of wood chips, reaching 1.73 billion USD in 2021, up 17.2% in volume and 16.7% in value. The export value of wood chips accounts for over 12% of the total export turnover of wood and wood products of the whole industry.
Due to the impact of the Covid-19 epidemic, in the third quarter of 2021, the export of woodchips decreased slightly in volume and value compared to the previous quarters, reaching only about 3 million tons, equivalent to less than $ 400 million, while in the first quarter and the second quarter of the year reached over 3.5 million/quarter, equivalent to over 450 million USD/quarter. However, entering the fourth quarter, woodchip exports gradually recovered.
Monthly export value and volume of wood chips in the period of 2020 – 2021
.png "In 2021, the export of wood chips will bring in over 1.7 billion USD for the Vietnamese wood industry 1")
Source: VIFOREST, Binh Dinh FPA, HAWA, BIFA and Forest Trends compiled from import and export statistics of the General Department of Customs
Export market of wood chips
In 2021, up to 98% of Vietnam’s wood chips are exported to three markets: China (65%), Japan (30%) and South Korea (3.4%). The rest is exported to markets such as Laos, Indonesia, and Taiwan.
China market, in 2021, this market will import 8.8 million tons of wood chips, equivalent to 1.14 billion USD; increased 17% in volume and 16.9% in value compared to 2020. In the months of July, August, September and October 2021, due to the impact of the Covid 19 pandemic, the amount of wood chips exported to this market decreased. From November and December of 2021, the export volume of woodchips recovered to an average of over 700 thousand tons/month.
The Japanese market, imported 4.09 million tons, equivalent to 500.15 million USD, increased 27% in volume and 24.4% in value compared to 2020. Export volume and value of woodchips in 2021 in Japan is quite stable, averaging over 340 thousand tons/month.
The Korean market, importing 458.62 thousand tons of woodchips in 2021, equivalent to 63.08 million USD, up 8.6% in volume and 14.8% in value compared to 2020.
The volume of woodchips exported to some main markets in 2019-2021 (Ton)
.png "In 2021, the export of wood chips will bring in over 1.7 billion USD for the Vietnamese wood industry 2")
Source: VIFOREST, Binh Dinh FPA, HAWA, BIFA and Forest Trends compiled from import and export statistics of the General Department of Customs
Export unit price of wood chips
The export price of woodchips at FOB prices tends to increase in 2021. The average price of woodchips exported to the Chinese market increased from 117 USD/ton in January to 120 USD/ton in December. Same in the market. In the Japanese market, averaged at $121/ton in January 2021 to $126/ton in December 2021. Export prices to South Korea increased from 118 USD/ton in January to 120 USD/ton in December.
Average export FOB price of wood chips to some main markets 20 20 – 202 1 (USD/Ton)
.png "In 2021, the export of wood chips will bring in over 1.7 billion USD for the Vietnamese wood industry 3")
Source: VIFOREST, Binh Dinh FPA, HAWA, BIFA and Forest Trends compiled from import and export statistics of the General Department of Customs
It is forecasted that in 2022, with the increasing demand for raw materials for pulp factories in the Chinese market, woodchip exports will continue to increase.