NZ Wood Industry Targets Major Export Value Boost

Highlights:

• The Wood Processors and Manufacturers Association of New Zealand (WPMA) has unveiled a plan to double timber export value to NZ$11.5 billion by 2034, up from NZ$5.75 billion in 2024.
• The strategy aims to shift from raw log exports to value-added wood products, such as engineered timber and finished goods, to boost profitability and local jobs.
• Industry leaders warn the goal will require greater investment, policy support, and sustainable forest expansion, as New Zealand currently lacks sufficient timber supply to achieve it through raw exports alone.

At the time of writing, industry leaders in New Zealand are pushing a bold agenda to double the value of timber exports — raising it from NZ$5.75 billion in 2024 to NZ$11.5 billion by 2034. The plan is spearheaded by the Wood Processors and Manufacturers Association of New Zealand (WPMA), aiming to move the sector beyond raw-log trade toward higher-value wood processing.

From Logs to Value-Added Products

The WPMA argues that simply shipping raw logs isn’t enough to capture long-term growth or regional jobs. Under its roadmap, New Zealand must pivot to more value-added timber exports — such as engineered wood products, panels, and finished goods — to secure higher margins and sustainable export growth. However, the plan faces a structural constraint: the country doesn’t grow enough harvestable timber to support such transformation through raw log exports alone. To close the gap, the industry would need to increase productivity, expand processing infrastructure, and attract capital investment.

Critically, the WPMA recognizes that land use, plantation growth rates, and forestry policy must adapt. Without stronger supply chains and long-term forest planning, the ambitious target may remain aspirational.

Challenges & Industry Pushback

Some skeptics caution that doubling export value within a decade may run into headwinds: limited stock timber, rising planting costs, regulatory bottlenecks, and global competition in engineered wood products. Others argue that government backing — via incentives, procurement policies favoring domestic wood, and stronger support for innovation — is essential to make the vision viable.

Regional processing centers, improved transport logistics, and skilled workforce development will be key levers. Industry voices have also flagged tariff uncertainty and export market access as critical variables that could derail growth forecasts.

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