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28 FOCUS SEP/OCT 2025 FDM ASIA | www.fdmasia.com

Sparta Movers one index (market expectation) was at the critical value while
the remaining nine indices (new orders, export orders, existing
orders, inventory of finished products, purchase quantity, import,
inventory of main raw materials, employees and delivery time)

were all below the critical value.
Compared to the previous month, the indices for production,
new orders, export orders, existing orders, inventory of finished
products, purchase quantity, purchase price, import, inventory
of main raw materials, employees, delivery time and market
expectation declined.
CHINA
Global Timber Index—July 2025 OSB consumption Guideline
Customs data showed that in the first half of this year China's An Oriented Strand Board (OSB) Consumption Guideline has

timber imports totalled US$5.811 billion, marking a year-on- been released. This Guideline helps consumers understand
year decline of 14 percent. OSB through simple language and pictures.
Breakdowns revealed that log imports amounted to The Guideline elaborates on OSB characteristics and
US$2.695 billion, down 18 percent year-on-year, while sawnwood applications, key qualities and environmental protection
imports stood at US$3.117 billion, a drop of 13 percent. The indicators. Also presented are inventories of major manufacturing
sharp decline in timber imports reflected, to some extent, the enterprises in terms of product classification, quality identification,
downturn in the real estate market. environmental protection indicators and purchase information.

Currently, China's timber demand shows a mixed trend The release of the Guideline is of significance for regulating
with walnut and golden teak prices rising and that of some the OSB market and guiding consumers to consume rationally.
other species remaining relatively stable. It provides consumers with a scientific and practical basis
Since July timber demand entered a period of adjustment for selection which helps enhance their self-protection and
due to high temperatures and heavy rains. Construction activity prevents them from being misled.
slowed and the output of furniture manufacturers also declined At the same time, it also promotes the orderly development of
compared to early this year. the OSB industry and creates a favourable market environment.
Amidst the challenges the industry is hoping for a rebound It is believed that the OSB industry will embrace new
in demand during the traditional peak season of September development opportunities. It is expected that consumers

and October. will pay more attention to this type of board, enhance market
In July 2025 the GTI-China index registered 48.7 percent, awareness and acceptance and thereby fully unleash the value
a decrease of 8.8 percentage point from the previous month and application potential of OSB.
and fell below the critical value (50 percent) after four months
indicating that the business prosperity of the timber enterprises Wooden furniture via China-Europe freight trains
represented by the GTI-China index shrank from the previous Buying globally and selling globally, in Nankang District,
month. Ganzhou City, Jiangxi Province, relying on the China-Europe

As for the twelve sub-indices, two (production and freight trains, a furniture industry with an output value of over
purchase price) were above the critical value of 50 percent, RMB280 billion is booming.