Page 16 - FDMAsia MayJun 2025

14 FEATURES MAY/JUN 2025 FDM ASIA | www.fdmasia.com

CREATING A GREEN FUTURE

WITH WOOD

At CIFM/interzum guangzhou 2025, FDM Asia spoke to stakeholders of the woodworking
industry, including Mr. John Chan, Regional Director of AHEC Southeast Asia & Greater
China, Ms. Zhang, Marketing Executive of Malaysian Timber Council, Mr. Noah Li,
Director of Quebec Wood Export Bureau, China, and Mr. Lee Wang, Sales Manager of
Pollmeier Massivholz, to learn more about how wood can play a positive role in energy
conservation, emission reduction, and environmental protection. By Sandy Sun

Mr. John Chan, Regional Director of American Hardwood Export Council (AHEC)
Southeast Asia & Greater China

FDM: Could you first provide a detailed overview of American
hardwood exports to the Chinese market throughout
2024? What notable changes or trends were observed
compared to 2023? Additionally, since the beginning of

2025, how has the export situation of American hardwood
to China evolved?

Mr. John Chan: In 2024, the total value of American hardwood
exports to the Greater China market reached US$1.35 billion,
marking a nearly 15 percent increase compared to 2023.
During the first two months of 2025 alone, exports approached
US$200 million. Mr. John Chan, Regional Director from AHEC Southeast Asia &
Greater China
Despite this strong performance, the outlook for American
hardwood exports to China remains uncertain due to several
external factors, including the global economic slowdown, commercial, office, and hospitality sectors.
ongoing challenges in the Chinese real estate sector, and Furthermore, with early signs of stabilisation in China’s
lingering tariff concerns. real estate market and a projected recovery in domestic
However, it's important to note that American hardwood consumption, the long-term demand for high-quality hardwood
continues to play a significant role in the Chinese market— is expected to grow.
approximately 85 percent of imported American hardwood in China remains the largest export market for American

China is utilised in domestic furniture manufacturing, interior hardwood, and given these developments, we remain cautiously
decoration, and construction projects across residential, optimistic about the future export prospects.