Global production of wood products in 2017 totalled 486 million m³ of sawnwood, 404 million m³ of wood-based panels and 414 million tonnes of paper & paperboard (Table 9.5).

Europe produced around one third (34%) of all sawnwood in 2017 (mainly in EU countries), with around one quarter (28%) in Asia and a further quarter (27%) produced in North & Central America.  Overall, sawnwood production increased by 7% between 2015 and 2017, driven by increases in most regions.

Wood-based panels were more commonly produced in Asia, accounting for around three fifths (60%) of global production in 2017.  Around one fifth (22%) were produced in Europe (mainly EU countries) and 12% in North & Central America.  At a global level, wood-based panel production increased by 4% between 2015 and 2017, driven by increases in all regions.

Asia also accounted for almost one half (48%) of paper and paperboard production in 2017, with around one quarter (26%) in Europe and a further 21% in North & Central America. At a global level, paper and paperboard production increased by 2% between 2015 and 2017.

Table 9.5 Production of wood products by region, 1990-2017

^{Source: FAO.} 

^Notes:

^{1. Cyprus is included in EU-28 total but is part of FAO’s Asia region.}

These figures are outside the scope of National Statistics.  For further information see the Sources chapter.

Additional resources

Sources chapter: International Forestry