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Sharp Decline in Chinas Timber Import Volume in the First Quarter

2026-03-11 16:24:56
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Timber Import and Export Situation in the First Quarter
  1. Significant Drop in Import Volume, Primarily Due to Insufficient Domestic Demand
    Chinas timber (logs + sawn timber) imports have declined for the fourth consecutive year in 2023, with a decrease of 4.8% in the first quarter. It is projected that the full-year figures will also show negative growth. Additionally, the average import price at ports in the first quarter was $185 per cubic meter, a 6.6% decrease compared to the same period last year (2020: $149/m³; 2021: $186/m³; 2022: $198/m³). Among the nine main sources of imports, only Papua New Guinea and New Zealand saw growth in import volumes in the first quarter of this year, while all other regions experienced negative growth.

    In terms of market share by source in the first quarter of 2023, Russia remained the top source, accounting for 25% of imports with 4.471 million cubic meters. Europe followed with 21.9%, and New Zealand with 20.3%.

  2. Comprehensive Decline in Wood and Wood Product Exports in the First Quarter of 2023The total import and export value of wood and wood products in the first quarter of this year was $12.9557 billion, a year-on-year decrease of 17.7%. Imports amounted to $4.566 billion, down 14%, with logs and sawn timber accounting for 72.3% of the import value. Exports totaled $7.0286 billion, a decline of 19.5%, primarily driven by wooden furniture, wooden seating, and plywood, which collectively accounted for 60% of the export value.

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