HS Code:
Blockboard, laminboard, and battenboard are types of engineered wood products classified under HS Code 4412. These products are made from strips or blocks of wood glued together and often covered with veneer or laminate on one or both sides. They are widely used in construction, furniture manufacturing, and interior design due to their strength, lightweight nature, and cost-effectiveness compared to solid wood. Blockboard consists of a core of softwood strips glued together with veneer on both sides, laminboard has a core of thin wood strips with veneer, and battenboard uses wider strips or battens. These products are critical in industries seeking sustainable and affordable alternatives to solid timber.
Total Trade Volume
USD 3.2 billion
Data from 2022
Source
United Nations Comtrade Database
USD 1.1 billion
34.4% of total trade of total trade
Increasing
USD 450 million
14.1% of total trade of total trade
Stable
USD 380 million
11.9% of total trade of total trade
Increasing
USD 300 million
9.4% of total trade of total trade
Increasing
USD 250 million
7.8% of total trade of total trade
Stable
Average Rate
6.5%
Highest Rate
12% (applied by certain developing countries to protect local industries)
Lowest Rate
0% (under free trade agreements like EU Single Market or USMCA)
Rising demand for sustainable materials
Increased preference for certified engineered wood products drives growth in markets like the EU and North America, pushing exporters to adopt sustainable forestry practices.
2021-2023
Growth in construction and furniture industries in Asia-Pacific
Rapid urbanization and infrastructure development in countries like India and Vietnam boost demand for cost-effective materials like blockboard, increasing regional trade.
2020-2022
Technological advancements in production
Improved manufacturing processes reduce costs and enhance product quality, making engineered wood more competitive against solid wood and other materials.
2019-2023
The European Union introduced the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR), requiring all wood products, including blockboard and laminboard, to be traceable to non-deforested sources starting in 2023.
June 2023
Exporters from tropical regions may face higher compliance costs, potentially shifting market share to certified suppliers in regions like Europe and North America.
The United States maintained additional tariffs on Chinese engineered wood products, including blockboard, as part of ongoing trade disputes, affecting pricing and supply chains.
March 2022
Increased costs for US importers, leading to diversification of supply sources to countries like Vietnam and Poland.
Major retailers and manufacturers in North America and Europe are increasingly mandating Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certification for blockboard and related products.
January 2023
Non-certified producers face reduced market access, while certified exporters gain competitive advantage in premium markets.