According to the latest data from the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Foreign Trade Statistics, U.S. imports of tropical hardwood and related products increased in 2025, even amid tariffs and ongoing uncertainty in global trade policies.
Several product categories recorded notable growth, including hardwood plywood, sawn tropical hardwood, veneer, and mouldings. However, imports of wood flooring products and wooden furniture declined during the same period.
The data reflects shifting demand patterns in the global wood products market, particularly within the construction and interior materials sectors.
Hardwood Plywood Becomes Fastest-Growing Category
Among all tropical hardwood products, hardwood plywood recorded the strongest growth in 2025.
Imports increased by 19%, reaching more than 3.28 million cubic metres, with a total import value close to US$2.1 billion. This represents the highest import level since 2022.
Other product categories also showed steady growth:
- Sawn tropical hardwood imports increased 9%, reaching 195,825 cubic metres
- Tropical hardwood veneer imports rose 20%
- Hardwood mouldings imports increased 11%
These increases highlight the continued demand for engineered wood materials and decorative hardwood products in the U.S. construction and renovation markets.
Flooring Panels and Wooden Furniture Imports Decline
In contrast to the growth in plywood and raw hardwood materials, finished wood products experienced declines in 2025.
Imports of wooden furniture dropped 9% year-on-year, decreasing from US$21.2 billion in 2024 to US$19.4 billion in 2025.
Similarly, imports of assembled flooring panels declined 12%, falling from US$340.7 million in 2024 to US$300.3 million in 2025.
Imports of hardwood flooring also decreased by 5%, from US$71.1 million to US$67.3 million.
This trend may reflect changes in housing demand, inventory adjustments, and shifting consumption patterns in the U.S. furniture market.
Southeast Asia Remains Key Supplier Region
In terms of supply sources, Indonesia remained the largest supplier by volume, while Vietnam led in total import value.
Both countries recorded more than 30% growth in export value and volume to the United States during the year.
Other supplier developments included:
- Brazil increased shipments by 17%
- Malaysia exports to the U.S. grew 23%
- Imports from Indonesia declined 16%
Among individual species, Sapelli accounted for the largest import volume, reaching 29,641 cubic metres, up 4% compared with 2024. Other species such as Balsa, Teak, and Keruing also saw notable growth.
Imports from China and Canada Show Decline
U.S. imports from China decreased sharply, falling to nearly half of the 2024 volume. Although shipments improved slightly in some months, the overall trend remained weak toward the end of the year.
Monthly imports fell 12% in December and were 22% lower compared with December 2024.
Imports from Canada also weakened, with December shipments dropping 47%, leaving volumes 25% below the level recorded a year earlier.
Outlook for the Tropical Hardwood Market
Despite fluctuations in some finished wood product categories, the overall increase in tropical hardwood imports suggests continued demand for raw and semi-processed wood materials in the U.S. market.
Growth in hardwood plywood, veneer, and sawn hardwood indicates ongoing activity in construction, interior decoration, and engineered wood manufacturing sectors.
For suppliers and exporters in the global timber industry, these trends highlight continued opportunities in the North American wood products market, particularly for structural and decorative wood materials.
