US Log Shipments to China Surge Despite Decline in Overall Chinese Timber Imports in April
China’s timber imports decline despite rebound in US log shipments
China’s timber imports declined again in April despite signs of recovery across several product categories as downstream demand gradually stabilized, Interior Daily reported (5-26-26).
According to customs data, China imported 4.865 million m3 of timber in April, down 6.8% year-over-year but up 4.0% from March. Import values edged up 1.1% year-over-year to $1.06 billion.
Log imports rose 1.7% year-over-year to 2.98 million m3, while sawn timber imports fell 17.8% to 1.885 million m3. Average import prices increased across both segments, indicating continued pricing pressure.
New Zealand and Russia remained China’s largest timber suppliers during the month. Russian shipments fell 32.5% year-over-year, while imports from the US rose sharply, with US log arrivals surging 78% year-over-year following the gradual easing of earlier trade restrictions.
Thailand, Canada, and the Solomon Islands also recorded significant export growth to China, while imports from Belarus, Japan, and the Philippines weakened.
From January through April, China’s total timber imports reached 17.046 million m3, down 10.9% year-over-year.
FEA compiles the Wood Markets News from various 3rd party sources to provide readers with the latest news impacting forest product markets. Opinions or views expressed in these articles do not necessarily represent those of FEA.