China boosts Malda’s economy by tapping into mango wood plywood amid Bangladesh crisis

Malda, a district in West Bengal, has become a significant hub for mango wood plywood production, with increasing exports to China. This development has emerged as Bangladesh faces political instability, impacting its export market and creating opportunities for India. Malda, known for its large mango orchards, is now playing a key role in the plywood industry, particularly in exporting mango wood plywood to China, where demand for the material has surged.

Mango wood plywood is valued for its strength, durability, and ability to be molded into various shapes. Unlike plywood made from eucalyptus, which cannot be easily shaped or bent, mango plywood offers superior flexibility, making it ideal for a range of applications, including furniture, flooring, and even high-tech products. This versatility has led to increased demand from China, where industries are looking for high-quality materials to support their manufacturing needs.

The plywood industry in Malda has expanded rapidly in recent years, driven by this growing demand. Local factories, which specialize in processing mango wood, have been established to cater to both domestic and international markets. The annual turnover of Malda’s plywood industry has already exceeded ₹100 crore, with the majority of exports directed towards China. The plywood factories are equipped with advanced processing technology to ensure that the plywood meets international quality standards, making it highly competitive in the global market.

China’s growing interest in Malda’s mango plywood is part of a broader trend of increasing trade between India and China. In the 2023-24 fiscal year, China became India’s largest trading partner, surpassing the United States. As India seeks to enhance its exports to China, Malda’s plywood industry plays a significant role in this shift. The superior quality of mango wood plywood from Malda has made it a sought-after product in China, particularly for use in furniture, construction, and industrial applications.

Malda’s geographical advantage, with its large mango orchards and proximity to major Indian export hubs, has made it an ideal location for plywood production. The region's mango trees are some of the best in the country, producing high-quality wood that meets the specific demands of the plywood industry. The plywood manufacturing process involves advanced techniques that allow the wood to be shaped into thin, durable sheets suitable for various industrial uses. The local factories are capable of producing plywood at scale to meet the rising demand from China and other international markets.

The plywood sector’s expansion in Malda is further supported by investments in infrastructure and technology. Factories in the region have been increasing their production capacities to keep up with the growing demand for mango plywood. As China’s demand for this product continues to rise, Malda’s plywood industry is expected to see continued growth. The local economy is benefitting from this boom in exports, and the plywood industry is becoming an increasingly important part of Malda’s economic landscape. With global demand for high-quality plywood on the rise, Malda is positioned to remain a key player in the international plywood market.