Fiberboard exports totaled 2.205 million tonnes worth US$1.194 billion, up 10% from 2022, but down 0.5% in value, according to Chinese customs data.
Mexico, Nigeria, and Saudi Arabia are the top 3 destinations in 2023. Mexico was the largest destination for Chinese fiberboard exports in 2023, up 65% from 2022 to 223,000 tons. China's particleboard exports to Nigeria rose 7% to 214,000 tonnes worth US$88 million, down 1.2% from 2022.
In addition, China's fiberboard exports to Vietnam and Canada increased by 17% and 37%, respectively, in 2023. In contrast, China's fiberboard exports to Saudi Arabia, the United States and the United Arab Emirates fell by 10%, 23% and 32% respectively in 2023.
The growth in China's fiberboard exports was due to the gradual recovery of fiberboard production capacity and price discount support, which boosted demand.
Imports of fiberboard have dropped sharply
In 2023, China's fiberboard imports will be 51,300 tons, worth US$48.9 million, down 45% year-on-year and 50% year-on-year. New Zealand and Germany are the top two suppliers in 2023. However, China's imports of fibreboard from New Zealand and Germany fell by 13% and 55% to 14,500 tonnes and 10,100 tonnes respectively.
In addition, China's fiberboard imports from Thailand, Belgium, Poland, Spain and Switzerland fell sharply in 2023. In contrast, China's fiberboard imports from Romania increased by 45% year-on-year to 2,200 tonnes in 2023, making it only one of the largest suppliers.