Australia’s long-term access to structural timber remains strong, with a new ABARES Insights paper confirming that enough supply is expected to support home building needs until at least 2050.
The report highlights that Australia’s domestic softwood plantations continue to meet the majority of construction requirements, while global markets play a vital role in smoothing fluctuations caused by housing demand cycles.
ABARES Executive Director Dr Jared Greenville said the findings should provide confidence across the market—from builders to suppliers and processors.
“The data supports consumers and producers, ensuring that both sides of the market see structural timber as a reliable and accessible building material,” Dr Greenville said.
“It takes between 25 to 35 years to grow structurally graded sawnwood, so this outlook of a reliable international market is welcome.”
Imports Help Balance Demand Peaks
Structural timber imports typically increase during building booms and ease once demand stabilises. A clear example came during 2020–21 and 2021–22, when COVID-related stimulus programs drove housing activity to record highs, prompting a surge in imported sawnwood to meet immediate needs.
A $1.4 Billion Domestic Industry
Australia’s softwood plantation estate remains a cornerstone of the sector—accounting for around 60% of the value of the nation’s total log harvest, worth approximately $1.4 billion annually. Consumption of softwood sawnwood continues to closely track building activity, reinforcing the material’s importance to Australia’s construction industry and supply chain.
Dr Greenville noted that a combination of strong local production and a stable international market helps shield Australia from volatility:
“Having diversified supply options reduces the risk of extreme domestic price swings for sawnwood.”
