As data published by the Chinese Statistical Office show, China imported around 9.5 million m³ of softwood lumber in the first six months, recording a year-on-year decrease of 8%.
The main reason for this development is the sharp drop in softwood lumber shipments from Ukraine. In 2021, before the war, the Eastern European country was China’s second most important trading partner with around 620,000 m³. In the first seven months, however, imports plummeted by 75% to less than 160,000 m³.
Marked decreases were also recorded in softwood lumber imports from South American supplying countries Chile (170,000 m³; -37%) and Brazil (130,000 m³; -62%).
The lion’s share crossed the more than 4,000 km long border between China and Russia. Similar to last year, Russian softwood lumber shipments remained relatively constant in the first seven months. With a volume of 6.55 million m³ (-1%), Russia still accounts for almost 70% of Chinese imports.
Canada and Sweden saw their exports grow substantially. With an increase of 38% to 780,000 m³, Canada is the new number two supplying country behind Russia. China also imported more softwood lumber from Sweden (300,000 m³; +22%) in the period January to July.
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