China’s log imports in 2017 totaled 55.43 million cubic metres valued at US$9.927 billion, a year on year increase of 14% in volume and 23% in value. The average price for imported logs was US$179 per cubic metre, a year on year increase of 8%.

Of total log imports, 2017 softwood log imports rose 13% to 38.38 million cubic metres, accounting for 69% of the national total, a 1% decline on 2016 levels. The average price for imported softwood logs in 2017 was US$134 per cubic metre, up 11% on levels in 2016.

New Zealand still the top source of logs – New Zealand was the main log supplier to China in 2017 accounting for 26% of total log imports. Imports from New Zealand totaled 14.36 million cubic metres in 2017, a year on year increase of 19%.

The second ranked supplier of logs was Russia at 11.27 million cubic metres, accounting for about 20% of the national total. In 2017 a year on year increase of just 1% was recorded for log imports from Russia. Average prices for imported logs both from New Zealand and Russia rose 12% and 9% respectively in 2017.

Source: ITTO Tropical Timber Report