Demand and Market Trends for Australian Timber and How They Affect You

As premier timber suppliers of Australia, we would like to continue our series on recommendations by the Forest Industry Advisory Council as published by the Commonwealth of Australia in March of this year. We feel that it is our responsibility to help our customers and other interested parties stay current on factors affecting the timber products that eventually reach your homes.

The Current Market for Australian Timber

Australian timber is popular, not only in Australia, but globally as well. A high enough percentage of timber is exported that it is extremely important for Australia to continue competing for a share of the global market. It is important for the Australian timber industry to provide added value and stay competitive against foreign products both domestically and internationally.

Domestically, hardwood is used for furniture, joinery, timber flooring and timber decking. The last two are particularly popular in Brisbane and Sydney. Sawn softwood timber is used most often in the housing sector for roof trusses and wall framing. Manufactured timber, such as particleboard and medium density fibreboard, are also popular in the construction industry, especially for flooring and joinery.

Timber is also turned into paper and paperboard products such as printing paper, writing paper, newspaper, sanitary paper and packaging.

While timber consumption has increased over the last 40 years, it hasn’t increased as fast as the population has. However, this is predicted to change. Australia’s current 23.7 million population is expected to increase to 34 million by 2040. If domestic timber demand grows as predicted, it will increase by 43% by 2040.

Demand for timber exports are also expected to increase at the same rate as the population, especially in China and India.

Challenges in the Coming Years

Australian timber will always be in competition with other countries to keep costs down. If two products are of equal quality, most consumers will choose that which costs the least. The exchange rate of the Australian Dollar (AUD) will be an important factor. If it remains in the area of $0.75, the Australian timber industry will be poised for prosperity.

To learn more or to place an order, call Narangba Timbers today on 1300 477 024.