The 2024 World Forestry Products and Wood Products Exhibition held from November 23 to 25, 2024, at the International Exhibition Center in Nanning, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China, proved to be pivotal for the forestry industry, especially highlighting Thailand's substantial role. With over 50,000 square meters of exhibition space, the event attracted over 1,000 exhibitors from various provinces of China and international participants from countries such as Germany, Canada, Russia, Vietnam, and Laos.
At the exhibition, more than 20,000 items were showcased, spanning from wooden panels, furniture, decorative items, to forestry machinery. Highlighting its unique offerings, Thailand set up a special booth showcasing Thai wood products, where 12 local companies participated to display their wooden panels, furniture, and handicrafts. This effort aimed not only to promote Thai products but also to strengthen trade relations between Thailand and its partners.
During the same period, the Rubber Wood Global Industry Chain Innovation and Development Conference was held, marking another layer of collaboration. This conference saw representatives from the Thai Rubber Wood Association, the Sawing Industry Group, and Thailand's Board of Trade engaging actively, discussing the current state of Thailand's rubber wood industry and its export potential. The discussions underscored Thailand's leading position as the primary exporter of processed broadleaf timber to China, which accounted for 65% of the total import volume for such products.
Recent statistics indicate remarkable growth within this sector. For example, China's imports of processed broadleaf timber from global sources reached 6.913 million cubic meters in 2023, showing significant increases from previous years. Particularly, processed rubber wood became the most imported timber type within this category, with China importing 4.5 million cubic meters valued at $1 billion, reflecting market demands.
For the first nine months of 2024, there was similarly impressive growth, with imports of processed rubber wood from Thailand rising by 15.8% compared to the same period last year, asserting Thailand's dominance and significant dependency of Chinese markets on Thai timber products.
The geographical advantage plays a significant role, as Guangxi province, being closely situated to ASEAN countries, facilitates the importation and distribution of timber products through major shipping ports. Notably, the establishment of trade centers at Xinzhou port heralds potential increases in future imports. This efficiency is enhanced by regulatory frameworks aimed at fostering smoother transactions and enhancing resource flows between these nations.
The exhibition not only served as a platform for exhibitors but also as a networking hub, reinforcing business ties and setting the groundwork for future collaborations. The previous interactions have prompted shared visions between Thai and Chinese companies, particularly around sustainable forestry practices and innovation within the wood processing industries.
For stakeholders, this event was not just about showcasing products; it also represented opportunities for learning, sharing expertise, and cultivating relationships within the ever-evolving global forestry market. Thailand’s strategic initiatives highlighted during the exhibition showcased their readiness to engage with global partners, emphasizing their impact on regional sustainable industry development.
All said and done, the 2024 World Forestry Products Exhibition showcased not just the products available but also the potential for growth and the strengthening of international collaborations between Thailand and China. The efforts are expected to yield fruitful results, propelling both countries toward enhanced trade relations and economic fortitude within the forestry sectors.
The subsequent impacts of the event on the Thai timber market will likely be monitored closely, as companies leverage newly formed partnerships and explore innovative practices showcased during the exhibition. The commitment from both Thailand and China to develop and expand their forestry industries continues to signal progress and mutual interest.
