Sawn softwood import domination in China

A considerable expansion in the value of sawn wood imports was shown in data from China’s Customs in the first half of 2017. The total amount of China’s sawn wood imports reached 18.12 million cubic meters valued $4.75 billion, annual increase of 16% in volume and 24% in value.

The average price for imported sawn wood in the first half of 2017 was $262 per cubic meter, up by 7% over the same period of 2016. Concerning total sawn wood imports, sawn softwood imports rose by 37% to 12.41 million cubic meters, accounting for 68% of the national total. The average price for imported sawn softwood in the first half of 2017 was $192 per cubic meter, up by 12% over the same period of 2016.

However, sawn hardwood imports fell by 13% to 5.71 million cubic meters. The average price for imported sawn hardwoods in the first half of 2017 was $414 per cubic meter, up by 20% over the same period of 2016. Concerning total sawn hardwood imports, sawn wood from tropical countries amounted to 3.02 million cubic meters valued at $1.127 billion, up by 14% both in volume and in value. Sawn hardwood imports from tropical countries accounted for 17% of the national total.

The average price for sawn wood imported from tropical countries was $373 per cubic meter, annual slight increase of 0.3%.

Information provided according to www.woodmarkets.com.