Hardboard Market Overview in Australia

In 2019, the Australian hardboard market increased by % to $, rising for the second year in a row after three years of decline. Over the period under review, the total consumption indicated pronounced growth from 2007 to 2019: its value increased at an average annual rate of +% over the last twelve-year period. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Based on 2019 figures, consumption increased by +% against 2017 indices. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2011 with an increase of % against the previous year. Over the period under review, the market hit record highs at $ in 2014; however, from 2015 to 2019, consumption remained at a lower figure.

In value terms, hardboard production totaled $ in 2019 estimated in export prices. In general, production, however, continues to indicate a relatively flat trend pattern. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2009 with an increase of % y-o-y. Hardboard production peaked at $ in 2014; however, from 2015 to 2019, production stood at a somewhat lower figure.

For the fourth consecutive year, Australia recorded growth in consumption of hardboard, which increased by % to cubic meters in 2019. In general, the total consumption indicated resilient growth from 2007 to 2019: its volume increased at an average annual rate of +% over the last twelve years. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Based on 2019 figures, consumption increased by +% against 2015 indices. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2011 when the consumption volume increased by % y-o-y. Hardboard consumption peaked in 2019 and is expected to retain growth in the immediate term.

The size of the hardboard market in Australia totaled $ in 2019, leveling off at the previous year. This figure reflects the total revenues of producers and importers (excluding logistics costs, retail marketing costs, and retailers' margins, which will be included in the final consumer price). Overall, the total consumption indicated a perceptible expansion from 2007 to 2019: its value increased at an average annual rate of +% over the last twelve years. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Based on 2019 figures, consumption increased by +% against 2017 indices. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2011 with an increase of % y-o-y. Over the period under review, the market reached the maximum level at $ in 2014; however, from 2015 to 2019, consumption remained at a lower figure.

Driven by increasing demand for hardboard in Australia, the market is expected to continue an upward consumption trend over the next decade. Market performance is forecast to decelerate, expanding with an anticipated CAGR of +% for the period from 2019 to , which is projected to bring the market volume to cubic meters by the end of .

Driven by a growing demand, the share of imports in total supply in Australia increased significantly over the last twelve years (from % to %).

Australia remains a net importer of hardboard; in physical and value terms, imports consistently exceeded exports from 2007 to 2019. In 2019, there was a significant trade deficit of cubic meters, which was equal to $. This tangible trade deficit reflects the fact that the market remains dependent on imports, which is likely to continue in the medium term.