The impact of the Japanese earthquake on New Zealand forestry exports

Authors: Jin Wang
Publication: New Zealand Journal of Forestry, Volume N.Z.J.For. 2011, Issue N.Z.J.For. 56(4) 2012, pp 34-36, Jan 2012
Publisher: New Zealand Institute of Forestry

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Abstract: On 11 March 2011, a 9.0 magnitude earthquake occurred off the Pacific coast of the North Eastern part of Japan. It is reported that two plywood mills were destroyed; six plywood mills and one major pulp and paper mill were damaged (Wood Markets, 2011). As a result, Japan is expected to increase imports of forestry products, especially plywood, to meet the demand arising from the earthquake disaster. As the second largest wood products export market and the third largest woodpulp export market for New Zealand (August 2011 export revenue), the impact of the Japanese earthquake on New Zealand forestry exports and potential demand should be substantial. The aim of this research is to analyze logs, lumber, plywood, mechanical pulp and softwood chips export to Japan in the short term after the earthquake and identify opportunities for New Zealand forestry industries.

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