HS Code:
North American Birch (Betula alleghaniensis, Betula papyrifera, Betula lenta, Betula nigra) falls under the category of hardwood timber and wood products, commonly used in furniture, flooring, paper production, and decorative veneers. These species are native to North America and are valued for their strength, fine grain, and light color. The global trade of birch wood primarily involves raw logs, sawn timber, and processed wood products. The trade is influenced by sustainable forestry practices, environmental regulations, and demand for eco-friendly materials.
Total Trade Volume
Approximately $1.2 billion USD
Data from 2022
Source
United Nations Comtrade Database & International Tropical Timber Organization (ITTO)
$650 million USD
54% of total trade of total trade
Increasing
$450 million USD
38% of total trade of total trade
Stable
$50 million USD
4% of total trade of total trade
Increasing
$30 million USD
2.5% of total trade of total trade
Stable
$20 million USD
1.5% of total trade of total trade
Decreasing
Average Rate
5.2% ad valorem
Highest Rate
12% (applied by certain developing markets)
Lowest Rate
0% (under free trade agreements like USMCA and EU-Canada CETA)
Rising demand for sustainable wood products
Increased exports from North America due to stringent forestry management and certification standards, driving a 10% growth in trade volume from 2020 to 2022.
2022
Shift towards processed wood products
Higher value-added products like veneers and plywood are gaining market share over raw timber, impacting trade dynamics with a 15% increase in processed birch exports.
2021
Impact of climate change on supply
Erratic weather patterns and pests like the bronze birch borer have reduced harvestable volumes in certain regions, leading to a 5% supply dip in affected areas.
2022
Revised rules under the USMCA have facilitated duty-free trade of birch wood products between the US, Canada, and Mexico, boosting regional trade by 8%.
January 2023
Enhanced market access for North American exporters, particularly benefiting small and medium-sized enterprises.
The EU implemented stricter regulations requiring proof of deforestation-free supply chains for wood imports, affecting North American birch exporters.
June 2023
Increased compliance costs but also a competitive advantage for certified sustainable producers in the US and Canada.
China’s construction and furniture sectors have shown a growing preference for North American birch due to its quality and availability amidst domestic supply constraints.
March 2023
Trade volume to China surged by 12%, creating new market opportunities for exporters.