Imports down by almost a third

Article by Martina Nöstler (translated by Eva Guzely) | 22.05.2026 - 11:11

Chinese imports of softwood lumber were down by 27%, or nearly 1.4 million m³, year on year, totaling 3.7 million m³ by the end of April. Different trends can be observed among the various supplying countries.

Imports from Russia, which fell by 31% to 2.4 million m³, were the main reason for this marked overall decrease. Nevertheless, Russia still accounts for 66% of total Chinese softwood lumber imports, as figures published by China Customs Statistics show.

In the first four months of this year, Canada moved up to second place. China purchased 370,000 m³ of softwood lumber from the country, i.e. 3% more than last year. Imports from New Zealand (+11% to 72,000 m³) and Uruguay (+28% to 50,000 m³) increased as well.

Meanwhile, smaller volumes were imported from Belarus (-14% to 313,000 m³), Sweden (-25% to 129,000 m³) and Finland (-9% to 116,000 m³) compared to the first four months of 2025.