HS Code:
The 'Fir except Douglas Fir' category, classified under HS Code 4407.11, includes sawn or chipped lengthwise, sliced or peeled wood of fir species (Abies spp.) excluding Douglas fir. This category encompasses various fir wood products used primarily in construction, furniture making, and pulp production. Fir wood is valued for its strength, light weight, and straight grain, making it a popular choice in the global timber market. Trade in this category is influenced by regional availability of fir species, environmental regulations, and demand for sustainable forestry products.
Total Trade Volume
Approximately 12.5 million cubic meters
Data from 2022
Source
International Trade Centre (ITC) Trade Map and UN Comtrade Database
3.8 million cubic meters
30.4% of total trade of total trade
Increasing
2.5 million cubic meters
20.0% of total trade of total trade
Decreasing
1.9 million cubic meters
15.2% of total trade of total trade
Stable
1.5 million cubic meters
12.0% of total trade of total trade
Increasing
1.0 million cubic meters
8.0% of total trade of total trade
Stable
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 like EU-Canada CETA)
Rising demand for sustainable timber
Increased preference for certified fir wood products has boosted trade from countries with strict forestry regulations like Canada and Sweden.
2021-2022
Geopolitical disruptions affecting supply chains
Sanctions and export restrictions on Russian timber due to geopolitical tensions have reduced supply, shifting demand to North American and Nordic suppliers.
2022
Growth in construction sector in Asia-Pacific
Rapid urbanization in countries like China and India has driven demand for fir wood in construction, increasing imports from major exporters.
2020-2022
The European Union updated its timber import regulations to enforce stricter due diligence on sustainability, impacting fir wood exporters to the EU market.
June 2023
Exporters from Canada and Scandinavia may benefit due to their established sustainable practices, while others face compliance costs.
The ongoing conflict has led to reduced fir wood exports from Russia, a key supplier, causing supply shortages and price increases globally.
March 2022 onwards
Alternative suppliers like Canada and Finland have seen increased demand, but logistics costs have risen.
A bilateral agreement has reduced tariffs on Canadian fir wood exports to Japan, boosting trade volume in this category.
January 2023
Canadian exporters gain a competitive edge in the Japanese market, a major consumer of construction timber.