Chinese and Japanese lumber markets 2016

During the summer and autumn 2016, there was a strong demand for imported softwood lumber in China, with the volumes of import for the 2Q/16 and the 3Q/16 reaching the highest level on record.

Although the volumes decreased in the 3Q/16 compared to the previous quarter, they were still 24% higher than in the 3Q/15. Russia continued to be the main supplier with a 59% market share in the 3Q/16. During 2016 import prices have remained at historically low levels.

Demand in Japan for imported lumber has increased in 2016 with import volumes during the first 9 months being about 7% higher than during the same period of 2015. The figures in the 3Q/16 were 7.5% higher than in the 3Q/15. Canada was the largest supplier, followed by Finland, Russia and Sweden. Softwood lumber prices, both overseas and domestic, have remained almost unchanged in 2016 in Yen terms.

Information provided according to https://www.ajot.com/