HS Code:
Birch (Betula spp.) falls under the category of hardwood timber and wood products, often classified under HS Code 4403 (Wood in the rough) or HS Code 4407 (Wood sawn or chipped lengthwise). Birch is valued for its light color, fine grain, and versatility, making it a popular choice for furniture, plywood, flooring, and paper production. It is primarily sourced from temperate and boreal forests in the Northern Hemisphere, with significant trade driven by demand in construction, interior design, and manufacturing industries. Global trade in birch wood is influenced by sustainability concerns, forest management policies, and regional availability.
Total Trade Volume
Approximately $2.5 billion USD
Data from 2022
Source
UN Comtrade Database and International Tropical Timber Organization (ITTO) Reports
$800 million USD
32% of total trade of total trade
Decreasing due to export restrictions and geopolitical tensions
$500 million USD
20% of total trade of total trade
Stable with focus on sustainable forestry
$400 million USD
16% of total trade of total trade
Increasing due to rising demand in Europe
$300 million USD
12% of total trade of total trade
Stable with consistent export to the US market
$200 million USD
8% of total trade of total trade
Increasing due to domestic demand for hardwood
Average Rate
5.2% ad valorem
Highest Rate
15% (imposed by certain developing countries to protect domestic industries)
Lowest Rate
0% (under free trade agreements such as EU internal trade or USMCA)
Growing demand for sustainable and certified wood products
Increased market share for countries with strict forestry regulations like Finland and Sweden, while uncertified suppliers face reduced access to major markets like the EU.
2021-2023
Shift towards engineered wood products
Birch plywood and laminated veneer lumber (LVL) are seeing higher demand compared to raw timber, affecting trade patterns by increasing value-added exports.
2020-2022
Impact of geopolitical conflicts
Sanctions and export bans on Russian birch wood have led to supply shortages in Europe, pushing buyers towards alternative suppliers like Canada and the Baltic states.
2022-2023
The European Union imposed sanctions on Russian timber exports, including birch, as part of broader measures following geopolitical tensions. This has significantly reduced Russian birch supply to Europe.
April 2022
Increased prices for birch in the EU market and a shift towards alternative suppliers like Finland and Sweden.
The Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) introduced stricter certification requirements for birch wood sourced from high-risk regions to combat illegal logging.
January 2023
Potential trade barriers for non-compliant exporters, while certified producers gain a competitive edge in premium markets.
A bilateral agreement reduced tariffs on certain hardwood products, including birch, between the US and China as part of trade negotiations.
September 2022
Increased export opportunities for US birch producers targeting the Chinese furniture manufacturing sector.