According to newly released data from China Customs, Malaysia has become China's largest supplier of fibreboard, recording the most significant export growth among all source countries in 2025.
During the first nine months of 2025, Malaysia's fibreboard exports to China surged by an extraordinary 683%, reaching 14,000 tonnes. This dramatic increase far outpaced growth from other supplying countries and reflects a notable shift in regional trade flows.
At the same time, China's total fibreboard imports rose 16% year-on-year to approximately 45,000 tonnes, accounting for around 50% of global fibreboard supply. The increase suggests a renewed rise in demand from downstream manufacturing sectors, including furniture and interior applications.
New Zealand Remains a Key Supplier, While Other Sources Decline
Despite Malaysia's rapid rise, New Zealand continues to play a significant role in China's fibreboard imports. Its export volume increased by 95%, reaching 22,000 tonnes, maintaining its position as one of China's most important overseas suppliers.
In contrast, several traditional suppliers experienced declines:
●Thailand's exports fell by 26%, dropping to 5,000 tonnes
●Germany's exports decreased by 20%, reaching 4,400 tonnes
Meanwhile, Spain recorded moderate growth, with exports increasing 34% to 1,500 tonnes. However, none of these changes matched the pace of Malaysia's rapid expansion.
China's Fibreboard Exports Continue to Expand Globally
China's own fibreboard exports showed even stronger momentum. According to data from the International Tropical Timber Organization (ITTO), based in Tokyo, China's fibreboard exports grew by 35% year-on-year between January and September 2025, reaching approximately 2.62 million tonnes.
This growth was driven by solid demand across Asia, the Middle East, and the Americas.
●Vietnam remained China's largest overseas market, with imports soaring 126% to 501,000 tonnes
●Saudi Arabia, Mexico, the United Arab Emirates, and Canada all recorded double-digit growth
●Exports to Japan and Nigeria slowed, declining by 9% and 1%, respectively
According to ITTO's latest timber market report, export volumes to China's seven largest international markets grew at varying rates, contributing to an overall increase in national fibreboard exports.
Ongoing Challenges in China's Wooden Furniture Sector
Despite strong performance in fibreboard trade, China's wooden furniture industry continues to face notable pressure.
In the first nine months of 2025, export revenues declined by 7%, falling to USD 16.69 billion. Shipments to the United States, China's largest furniture export market, dropped sharply by 18% to USD 4.24 billion.
However, exports to other major markets remained relatively resilient:
●United Kingdom: USD 1.2 billion
●Australia: USD 1.1 billion
●Malaysia: USD 445 million, up 18% year-on-year
Malaysia continues to be an important destination for Chinese furniture products, despite broader market volatility.
Furniture Imports into China Also Decline
