Market Trends of Chain Saw Industry
Growing Deforestation because of Urbanization and Demand for Commodities
Agricultural expansion, particularly for cash crops, has been a significant driver of deforestation and chainsaw demand. In 2023, this trend was notable in several regions. For instance, in South America, the soybean industry experienced substantial growth, with Brazil increasing its soybean planted area by 10.5% between 2020 and 2023, according to the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO). This expansion often occurred at the expense of forested areas, particularly in the Cerrado region.
Rapid urbanization, especially in developing countries, continued to be a key factor in forest clearance and chainsaw demand. In India, the government’s Smart Cities Mission accelerated in 2023, leading to extensive land clearance on the outskirts of major cities. Similarly, in Nigeria, the expansion of Lagos and the development of new urban centers resulted in significant deforestation in surrounding areas, with chainsaw imports to the country increasing substantially over the years.
In Australia, following severe bushfires that affected over 10 million hectares, there was a substantial effort to clear damaged trees and manage fire-affected forests. This led to significant demand for chainsaws in the region. Similarly, in North America, the severe hurricane season in the southeastern United States, particularly Hurricane Olivia which caused widespread damage in Florida, created a considerable demand for chainsaws and projected to drive the chainsaw market during the forecast period.
North America Dominates the Chainsaw Market
The North American region dominates the global chain saw market, driven by high demand from professional users in forestry, landscaping, and agriculture, as well as residential consumers for gardening, property maintenance, and storm cleanup. The increase in outdoor and do-it-yourself (DIY) activities has boosted chainsaw sales, especially for electric and battery-powered models. These are gaining popularity due to their ease of use, lower noise levels, and reduced environmental impact. Industrial usage in North America is growing as construction activities, particularly in urban areas, increase the demand for chain saws in infrastructure development projects.
According to NAHB analysis of 2023 Census Bureau data, wood framing remains the primary construction method for completed single-family homes in the U.S. In 2023, 93% of new homes were wood-framed. North Americans prefer wood for shelter due to its relatively lightweight nature and strength, often outperforming steel. Wood's ability to support its weight means less support is necessary for certain building designs. Additionally, in North America, wood is generally less expensive than concrete or masonry for home construction. The preference for wooden houses in the United States is also influenced by lower associated taxes.
Canada's extensive forest reserves contribute to the market's growth, with logging and timber-related activities creating consistent demand for powerful chain saws. Manufacturers are focusing on incorporating ergonomic designs, enhanced safety features, and smart technologies in chain saws. These technological advancements, combined with the region's strong demand, ensure North America's continued leadership in the global chain saw market.
