New Zealand\u2019s timber sector is targeting a doubling of exports over the next decade, aiming to increase annual export revenue from $5.7 billion to more than $11 billion. The strategy focuses on boosting the production and sale of high-value, processed wood products, including cross-laminated timber (CLT).<\/p>\n
Mark Ross, CEO of the Wood Manufacturers and Processors Association (WMPA), explained that nearly two-thirds of New Zealand\u2019s timber is currently sold as unprocessed logs. \u201cThe log trade return is always going to be lower and relatively flat. The only way we can grow is through increased value, processed here in New Zealand,\u201d Ross said.<\/p>\n
The action plan identifies the need to quadruple processing capacity to achieve the target. While the timber available for value-added production in 2034 will be smaller in volume, lower in quality, and sourced farther from ports and processing facilities, the industry sees substantial opportunities in overseas markets.<\/p>\n
Premiums for New Zealand\u2019s processed radiata pine are notable. Softwood lumber is currently generating about $370 per cubic metre in China, compared with $2,227 in the United States and $1,187 in the Netherlands for the same grade. The plan emphasizes expanding New Zealand\u2019s presence in these high-value markets and improving coordination across the supply chain.<\/p>\n
Ross highlighted recent investments at operating mills, including new kilns and AI-driven throughput optimization, as a sign of the sector\u2019s readiness to increase value-added output. Collaborative projects, such as the partnership between Taranaki Pine and Techlam in Levin, also demonstrate how companies can leverage strengths to capture high-value international opportunities.<\/p>\n
The formal launch of the action plan is scheduled for the Wood Processors and Manufacturers conference in early October.<\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":50681,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"inline_featured_image":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[5204,4715],"tags":[3382,4513],"class_list":["post-96803","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-daily-news","category-market-analysis","tag-new-zealand","tag-timber-exports","topic-forestry","topic-lumber","topic-sawmilling","topic-wood-products","area-asia-middle-east","area-global"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\n