The wood products industry in south central China plays an import role in the development of the local economy. For the last decade,a competitive wood industry,including wood-based composites,furniture,and raw material supply,has been formed in this region. Many leading enterprises and industry clusters with diverse products have emerged. However,insufficient forest resources in the region,low quality industry standards,and lack of innovative technology are identified as major barriers for continued development. The authors recommend that the future emphasis to improve the industrial competitiveness should focus on the areas of improving product efficiency,recycling and reusing waste wood material,developing non-wood fiberous board and green products,improving the performance of plantation wood,and improving innovative capability.