HS Code:
The 'Of oak (Quercus spp.)' category, often classified under HS Code 4403.91 for oak wood in the rough or under HS Code 4412 for oak veneer and plywood, pertains to products derived from oak trees, widely valued for their durability, aesthetic appeal, and use in furniture, flooring, construction, and barrel-making for wine and spirits. Oak is predominantly sourced from temperate regions, with significant trade flows driven by demand in construction and luxury goods markets. This category includes raw oak timber, sawn wood, and processed products like veneer sheets.
Total Trade Volume
Approximately $2.5 billion USD
Data from 2022
Source
United Nations Comtrade Database and International Trade Centre (ITC)
$600 million USD
24% of total trade of total trade
Increasing
$450 million USD
18% of total trade of total trade
Stable
$300 million USD
12% of total trade of total trade
Increasing
$200 million USD
8% of total trade of total trade
Increasing
$150 million USD
6% of total trade of total trade
Decreasing
Average Rate
5.2% ad valorem
Highest Rate
15% (applied by certain developing countries to protect domestic timber industries)
Lowest Rate
0% (under free trade agreements like EU-US trade or within the EU single market)
Rising demand for sustainable oak products
Increased preference for certified oak wood has boosted prices for sustainably sourced timber, impacting small-scale suppliers without certification.
2021-2022
Growth in luxury furniture and wine barrel markets
High demand from premium furniture manufacturers and wineries, particularly in Europe and North America, has driven export growth from oak-rich regions.
2020-2022
Supply chain disruptions due to geopolitical tensions
Trade restrictions and sanctions, especially involving Eastern European suppliers, have led to price volatility and shifts in sourcing to North American markets.
2022
The European Union updated its timber regulation framework in 2023, mandating stricter due diligence for oak imports to combat illegal logging.
March 2023
Increased compliance costs for exporters to the EU, potentially reducing trade volumes from non-compliant regions.
Ongoing trade disputes have led to higher tariffs on oak products exported from the US to China, prompting Chinese buyers to source from alternative markets like Eastern Europe.
January 2023
Reduced US market share in China, with a shift in trade flows benefiting European exporters.
Major oak exporters in France and Germany have committed to 100% FSC certification by 2025, aligning with global sustainability goals.
June 2022
Enhanced market access to eco-conscious buyers, though smaller producers may struggle with certification costs.