Causal factors contributing to Taiwan’s unusually low timber self-sufficiency rate

Under the policy of conserving forest environments and prohibiting logging, Taiwan’s forestry production has gradually decreased. Revitalizing Taiwan’s forestry industry and increasing the self-sufficiency rate of domestic timber has become a key policy for Taiwan’s forestry sector. Increasing domestic timber self-sufficiency offers several benefits: it enables optimal use of local forest resources, reduces greenhouse gas emissions, and serves as an effective substitute for imported wood thereby ensuring a stable supply of timber within Taiwan. However, achieving higher self-sufficiency in domestic timber is challenging and raises numerous issues and limitations. This study employed qualitative interviews with stakeholders in Taiwan’s timber supply chain in order to understand their needs and views regarding the procurement of domestic timber. The study found that most domestic logs in Taiwan are suitable for solid wood construction materials and furniture, and can also be used for wooden fixtures or bioenergy, but they are not suitable for plywood production. However, due to labour factors, the solid wood construction materials and furniture industries have largely relocated abroad. Limited by the lack of sawmills and wood-drying facilities, logs cannot be processed, indirectly leading to underutilisation of domestic timber. In order to improve self-sufficiency in domestic timber, stakeholders in Taiwan’s timber supply chain suggest actively developing laminated wood processing and applications, under the premise of conserving Taiwan’s forest environment. This approach could boost domestic wood demand, make better use of local forest resources, and reduce the waste of timber resources.