Industry Analysis & Industry Trends
The March 2011 Japanese tsunami had a major negative effect on the industry's exports for the later months of 2010-11 and 2011-12. This follows export declines to Japan in 2008-09 and 2009-10 due to Japanese papermaking companies sourcing woodchips from other countries and reducing overall demand. As demand from Japan decreased in most of the five years through 2011-12, industry revenue declined an annualised 6.7% for this period.
Despite recent declines, Japan remains the focal point of the industry. Large paper producers in Japan are the industry's largest clients. Japan has invested heavily in forestry plantation in Australia and controls an estimated 125,000 hectares, or 7.2% of the total plantation area. Total exports as a proportion of industry revenue increased from 83.1%... purchase to read more
Industry Report - Industry SWOT Analysis Chapter
Steady export growth to Japan to 2007-08 contributed to steady industry revenue growth for the year. However, weaker demand from Japanese paper manufacturers and increased sourcing of woodchips from other countries contributed to major industry revenue declines to 2009-10 through 2011-12, which was further compounded by the March 2011 tsunami in Japan. In the five years through 2011-12, industry revenue is estimated to decrease at an annualised 2.9%.
No new product developments or introductions have occurred within the industry in recent years. These are not really possible as the industry produces only woodchips, either hardwood or softwood. However, hardwood has increased its share of output and exports a little during the past five years... purchase to read more