China's timber imports on the rise again

China has imported logs and sawn timber valued at over USD 2.2 billion (€ 1.66 billion), in the second quarter. This is USD 600 million (€ 452 million) more than in the same period last year, reports Wood Resources International. In China, investments in housing were up 13% and those in commercial construction even rose by 23%. These were key drivers for the high demand for wood, experts say.

The lumber imports have risen above average. In 2010, only a third of the wood imports were products other than raw material. Last quarter, the portion of products with higher added value rose to 42%. Eight out of ten pieces of softwood lumber imported to China come from Russia and Canada. In June, only 8% of the lumber came from Europe, but that share is increasing.

As for Chinese imports of logs, there is a change of the top supplying countries: New Zealand now leads the ranks there – after Russia had dominated this segment for years.