Timber decking, raw material, pine species
Pinewood, spruce wood, timber wood , southern yellow pine , softwood, wooden
Timber, also known as "Lumber" in the US and Canada is a type of wood. It is the outermost skin of the tree which consists of fissures, cracks, and fibres. In simple words, any wood or firwood of trees which can be yielded to a minimum size in terms of dimensions can be called a timber. They are uniform in colour, resistant to fire, have low water permeability, and bear a pleasant smell when they're freshly cut. The word “timber” is derived from the old English word "timbrian" which means "to build". And that's what it actually does. It is used in building furniture, roofs, fences, and even paper.
Timbers have a number of properties which makes them a perfect fit for the engineering industries. Those properties are being naturally available, having good strength, and the flexibility to be converted to any shapes and sizes. Decking timber is one of the famous types of timber which is specifically used for building outdoor decks and patios. Other than that, there are various types of timber which have different values in the market based on their uses and quality. Sandalwood is one of the most expensive timber, which is why it is called “liquid gold” in India.
Timber's presence in the global trade industry is strong due to several economic and environmental factors. Its functions are not only limited to construction, but they are also widely used as fuels in the form of charcoal, increasing the durability of tool handles, and crafting musical instruments. Softwood, which comes from Exogenous trees, is used in construction for several purposes, like giving structural support and framing. On the other hand, hardwood has its role in the luxury market that produces furniture and musical instruments. This is why several countries depend on pine wood imports, which is a widely used timber in furniture making.
Timbers thrive in sunlight, moderate temperature, ample rainfall, and balanced soil pH, along with other conditions. And Middle East countries, Japan, the UK, and some regions of Europe do not have that type of climate for the production of timber. So, they rely heavily on the US, China, and Russia to fulfill their consumer demands.
However, the current timber trade industry has faced some backlash due to illegal activities. These cases are centered around illegal cutting of trees, document fraud, and others. Approximately, $30 million worth of illegal activity is happening in the logging industry. So, the trade industry has now introduced some initiatives that can help prevent illegal activities. Some of which are as follows:
International wood buyers seek trustworthy suppliers who have consistently maintained a good quality in all aspects. Hence, their needs should be a priority for all the suppliers. Here is what
Timber importers will be expecting from a supplier:
There are several other related categories as well, which would help you in expanding your exporting business and maximising your profit. Those are:
When you’re preparing for exporting timber globally, you need to have an understanding of the market conditions. This significantly helps in the business expansion and sets clear targets.
Source: Grand View Research
Top Importing Countries for Timber (2024):
Source: Volza
Here is how you can connect with timber buyers all over the world in different ways:
1. Who imports the most timber?
From 2023 to 2024, Uzbekistan has been the largest importer of timber from all over the world. This country is then followed by Vietnam and China.
2. Which country is famous for timber?
Timber is highly famous in countries like Canada, Russia, Laos, Thailand, the US, and other countries. The primary reason is that these countries have dense forests and hence, have substantial timber resources to export to the world as well.
3. Who is the largest exporter of timber?
Timber is mostly exported from Ukraine, Russia, and Malaysia. Among these, Russia is the top timber exporter. It has exported 245,336 timber shipments.
4. What is the best way to sell timber?
To sell timber in the best way, you should first consult a forester. They can give you insights about the value of timber in the local and international markets. You can then sell them in your local market or export them to other countries as well.
5. How much is 1 ton of timber worth?
The average price of 1 ton of timber ranges from $100 to $400. Always remember that the timber prices mentioned here can vary, depending on various factors like wood type, quality, location, etc.
6. Which timber is costly?
The most costly timbers are African Blackwood and Agarwood. Other than that, agarwood, snakewood, sandalwood, and some others are also expensive.
7. What is the timber HSN code?
4403 is the timber HSN code.
8. What is timber conversion?
Timber conversion is the process of cutting logs and converting them into usable boards and planks. These are then called timber or lumber. Steps like felling, cutting, seasoning, and grading are included in timber conversion.
9. What makes timber durable?
Things like timber’s cell structure, heartwood, and proper treatments make it durable. Using preservatives like Coal tar, Soligmum paint, Creosote, and others can further increase the durability of timber and protect it against fungi or insects.
10. How much timber does India import?
India imported around 11,879 shipments of Timber from October 2023 to September 2024.
11. What are some common timber grades?
Common timber grades can be categorized into appearance grade and structure grade. Appearance grades like standard, select, and character concern with the visual characteristics of timber (color consistency, grain pattern, and knot size). Whereas, structure grades include C16 and C24 (for softwood) and F grades (for hardwoods). They focus on load-bearing capacity and the strength of timber.
12. What are some common timber import destinations from India?
The most common import destinations for Indian timber are the US, Italy, and the UAE.
The Indian government is taking initiatives to support tree-felling processes by letting the farmers grow more trees. This step is aimed at legalizing the timber trading industry. (Full story: Times of India)
