China’s 2016 sawnwood imports totalled 32.15 million cubic metres valued at $8.14 billion, a year-on-year increase of 21% in volume, and 8% in value. The average price for imported sawnwood in 2016 was $253 per cubic metre, down 10% on 2015.

Lumber

China’s sawnwood imports increased by 21% in 2016

China’s 2016 sawnwood imports totalled 32.15 million cubic metres valued at $8.14 billion, a year-on-year increase of 21% in volume, and 8% in value. The average price for imported sawnwood in 2016 was $253 per cubic metre, down 10% on 2015, as ITTO reported.

Of total sawnwood imports, sawn softwood imports rose 22% to 17.82 million cubic metres, accounting for 55% of the national total. The average price for imported sawn softwood in 2016 was $176 per cubic metre, down 10% year-on-year.

Sawn hardwood imports grew 20% to 14.33 million cubic metres. The average price for imported sawn hardwoods in 2016 was $349 per cubic metre, down 10% year-on-year.

Of total sawn hardwood imports, imports of sawnwood from tropical countries were 5.74 million cubic metres valued at $2.118 billion, up 20% in volume and 3% in value and accounted for 18% of the national total.

The average price for sawnwood imported from tropical countries was $369 per cubic metre, a year-on-year decline of 15%.