China is one of the world’s largest importers of wood chips, supplying raw materials to its pulp and paper industries. Imports to the country fell by 9% in 2025 compared with 2024, totaling 16.1 million tons, according to Lesprom Analytics.
The total value of China’s wood chip imports declined by 9% to $2.96 billion. The average import price remained stable at $183 per ton.
Vietnam remained the leading supplier, providing 69.6% of total shipments, or 11.2 million tons, down 9% year on year. Supplies from Australia increased by 15% to 2.9 million tons, representing 18% of total imports.
Imports from Thailand dropped by 31% to 684 thousand tons, while Chile’s shipments decreased by 3% to 471 thousand tons. Deliveries from South Africa rose more than fivefold to 303 thousand tons, accounting for 1.9% of total supplies. Bild: China’s wood chip imports by country, 2015–2025. Vietnam remains the largest supplier of wood chips to China throughout the period, followed by Australia and Thailand. Imports peaked in 2022 at 18.4 million tons before declining to 16.1 million tons in 2025 / Lesprom Analytics.
Shipments from Russia fell by 28% to 139 thousand tons, and Indonesia’s exports declined by 74% to 135 thousand tons. Imports from Brazil dropped by 63% to 99 thousand tons, while Fiji’s volume surged by 182% to 84 thousand tons. Uruguay’s shipments fell by 52% to 34 thousand tons.
Hardwood chips dominated China’s import structure, accounting for 97% of total volume, or 15.6 million tons, valued at $2.89 billion. Softwood chips made up 3%, equal to 480 thousand tons, worth $70.8 million.
From 2015 to 2025, China’s wood chip imports grew from 9.8 million tons to 16.1 million tons.
Lesprom Analytics provides verified trade data and market intelligence for the global forest products industry. The platform covers production, exports, imports, and prices across countries. Subscribers access detailed statistics, charts and tables to support investment and market decisions.
