Oct 05, 2004. /Lesprom Network/. Japanese softwood imports increased 4% to 1.48 million cub m within 6 months in 2004 compared with the prior period in 2003. According to Japan Lumber Journals, the main suppliers of timber to Japan were Finland (577 thousand cub m), Sweden (459 thousand cub m) and Austria (459 thousand cub m). The current tendency is expected to continue in 2004 and sawn timber imports will slightly increase the level reached in 2003. Glued wooden products imports increased to 304 thousand cub m within 6 months in 2004. The main suppliers were Austria (82.5 thousand cub m), Finland (64.8 thousand cub m) and Sweden (36.5 thousand cub m). China increased glued wooden products exports to Japan to 57.9 thousand cub m.