According to data from the Timber Industry Development Division (TIDD) of the Forestry Commission (FC) exports of wood products in January 2023 fell to 21,649 cu.m against 23,349 cu.m recorded in January 2022. This corresponds to 7-8% reductions in volume and value. The low export volumes could be attributed to the business uncertainties that have disrupted local business activities.

Of the main products exported, air and kiln dried sawnwood exports delined at the start of 2023. The total volume of the two products was down 11% in January 2023 compared to January 2022.

Sawnwood acounted for 66% of total wood export in January this year compared to 69% in January 2022. Veneer exports accounted for 5.3% and 5.1% of total export in 2023 and 2022 respectively. The TIDD data also showed that the country earned a total of Eur9.16 million in January 2023 compared to Eur10.04 million in 2022.

There were seventy-four exporters in January 2023 and the top species were teak (56%), ceiba (9%), wawa (9%), denya (6%) and eucalyptus (5%). The volume of billets exported in January dropped sharply.

India accounted for 57% of the total export volumes with UAE, USA, Belgium and Egypt accounting for 6%, 5%, 4% and 4% respectively.