Jan 16, 2007. /Lesprom Network/. Import of tropical logs by Japan surged 33% to 165 800 cubic meters in September, ITTO reported. Japanese imports of tropical logs have been growing since March 2006 helped by stronger prices. However, total Japanese imports of tropical logs amounted to 1.0 million cubic meters in the year to September, 4% below last year’s import volume. Accumulated log imports through September 2006 came from Malaysia (77%, two-thirds of which from Sarawak), PNG (14%), Solomon Isl. (8%) and Africa (0.5%). Tropical log exports to Japan were anticipated to decrease toward the end of 2006 and early 2007 due to reduced supply during the New Year and Lunar New Year festivities. This will likely drive prices further up.