Teakwood is used in high-grade applications in specific markets, such as the boat yachting industry, outdoor furniture, wooden flooring and waterworks, as well as in construction. The most important market for teak is South-East Asia. This region is responsible for about 87% of global consumption. The largest teak processing countries, Indonesia, India and Thailand, are also the largest consumers. The demand for teak in India, Indonesia and Thailand is greater than the domestic supply; these countries are the major importers. Traditionally, Myanmar is the most important supplier for these countries. However, the import of plantation-grown teak from Africa and Latin America has increased over the last few years.

Teak originally comes from an area which includes parts of India, Thailand, Myanmar (Burma) and Laos. It was introduced to the Indonesian island of Java in the 14th century, where it was later grown on plantations by the Dutch, and became the subject of scientific research. Currently, teak grows well on plantations, not only in its native zone of South-East Asia, but also in other parts of Asia, Africa and Latin-America.

The total global surface area covered by teak plantations is estimated at 3 million hectares. These plantations are often found on poor soil, because the fertile land needs to be used for growing food. These plantations are also extensively managed, often in the form of semi-natural forests.
The total global surface area covered by teak plantations is estimated at 3 million hectares. These plantations are often found on poor soil, because the fertile land needs to be used for growing food. These plantations are also extensively managed, often in the form of semi-natural forests.