TOKYO: Japan’s log export was 691,830 cubic metres, 32.7% more than 2014 and this was the record high number. Lumber export was 61,621 cubic metres, 10.3% less, ITTO reported. Total forest products export in 2015 was 26,300 million yen, 24.8% more. This exceeded the amount the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries drew up as a target by 2020 ahead of time.
Log export was the main business in forest products. Destinations are China, Korea and Taiwan and China took more than 50% share. For China, share of Japan is about 1.5% with ranking of 15th. If the price is right, it is possible to increase log export to China but there is competition in Japan with biomass power generation business, which consumes sizable low grade logs so log exporters have difficult time to accumulate export logs.
Also exchange rate is important factor so when the yen gets stronger, it will be tough to offer attractive dollar prices. Log export for Korea also increased largely as demand for Japanese cypress is strong for interior finishing and furniture.
Lumber export for Korea and Taiwan increased but it decreased some in total export. Plywood export in 2015 expanded rapidly with the volume of 67,049 cubic metres, 143.7% more than 2014, getting close to lumber export volume.