Japan: Hardboard Market 2024

Hardboard Market Size in Japan

The Japanese hardboard market totaled $X in 2022, remaining constant against the previous year. In general, the total consumption indicated a mild expansion from 2012 to 2022: its value increased at an average annual rate of +1.3% over the last decade. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Based on 2022 figures, consumption decreased by -7.5% against 2018 indices. Hardboard consumption peaked at $X in 2018; however, from 2019 to 2022, consumption failed to regain momentum.

Hardboard Production in Japan

In value terms, hardboard production reached $X in 2022 estimated in export price. Overall, production recorded a perceptible increase. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2017 when the production volume increased by 94% against the previous year. Over the period under review, production reached the peak level at $X in 2018; however, from 2019 to 2022, production remained at a lower figure.

Hardboard Exports

Exports from Japan

In 2022, overseas shipments of hardboard increased by 38% to X cubic meters for the first time since 2018, thus ending a three-year declining trend. Overall, exports recorded buoyant growth. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2017 when exports increased by 152% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the exports reached the peak figure in 2022 and are expected to retain growth in the immediate term.

In value terms, hardboard exports rose significantly to $X in 2022. Over the period under review, exports showed a remarkable increase. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2017 when exports increased by 280%. The exports peaked at $X in 2018; however, from 2019 to 2022, the exports remained at a lower figure.

Exports by Country

The United States (X cubic meters) was the main destination for hardboard exports from Japan, with a 81% share of total exports. Moreover, hardboard exports to the United States exceeded the volume sent to the second major destination, Taiwan (Chinese) (X cubic meters), fourfold.

From 2012 to 2022, the average annual growth rate of volume to the United States totaled +180.9%.

In value terms, the United States ($X) remains the key foreign market for hardboard exports from Japan, comprising 92% of total exports. The second position in the ranking was taken by Taiwan (Chinese) ($X), with a 7.8% share of total exports.

From 2012 to 2022, the average annual rate of growth in terms of value to the United States stood at +173.1%.

Export Prices by Country

In 2022, the average hardboard export price amounted to $X per cubic meter, which is down by -22.2% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the export price, however, enjoyed a tangible increase. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2018 when the average export price increased by 53%. As a result, the export price reached the peak level of $X per cubic meter. From 2019 to 2022, the average export prices remained at a somewhat lower figure.

There were significant differences in the average prices for the major overseas markets. In 2022, amid the top suppliers, the country with the highest price was the United States ($X per cubic meter), while the average price for exports to Taiwan (Chinese) stood at $X per cubic meter.

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was recorded for supplies to China (+8.5%), while the prices for the other major destinations experienced mixed trend patterns.

Hardboard Imports

Imports into Japan

Hardboard imports into Japan reduced dramatically to X cubic meters in 2022, which is down by -30.8% compared with 2021. In general, imports faced a precipitous setback. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2019 with an increase of 64% against the previous year. Imports peaked at X cubic meters in 2013; however, from 2014 to 2022, imports failed to regain momentum.

In value terms, hardboard imports dropped notably to $X in 2022. Overall, imports showed a sharp downturn. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2019 with an increase of 56% against the previous year. Imports peaked at $X in 2013; however, from 2014 to 2022, imports remained at a lower figure.

Imports by Country

In 2022, Germany (X cubic meters) constituted the largest hardboard supplier to Japan, with a 86% share of total imports. Moreover, hardboard imports from Germany exceeded the figures recorded by the second-largest supplier, China (X cubic meters), sevenfold.

From 2012 to 2022, the average annual rate of growth in terms of volume from Germany stood at +51.6%.

In value terms, Germany ($X) constituted the largest supplier of hardboard to Japan, comprising 84% of total imports. The second position in the ranking was taken by China ($X), with a 9.6% share of total imports.

From 2012 to 2022, the average annual rate of growth in terms of value from Germany amounted to +46.3%.

Import Prices by Country

The average hardboard import price stood at $X per cubic meter in 2022, increasing by 2% against the previous year. Over the period from 2012 to 2022, it increased at an average annual rate of +2.5%. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2014 an increase of 31%. Over the period under review, average import prices attained the peak figure at $X per cubic meter in 2020; however, from 2021 to 2022, import prices remained at a lower figure.

Average prices varied somewhat amongst the major supplying countries. In 2022, amid the top importers, the country with the highest price was Germany ($X per cubic meter), while the price for China totaled $X per cubic meter.

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by South Korea (+21.5%), while the prices for the other major suppliers experienced mixed trend patterns.

Source: IndexBox Platform

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