Feb 04, 2014. /Lesprom Network/. Timber imports through Zhangjiagang, China, increased slightly in 2013 and were 3.07 million cubic metres valued at $776 million, a year on year increase of 4% in volume and 7% in value. Of the total, log imports rose 5% to 3.01 million cubic metres but sawnwood imports declined 34% to 58,700 cubic metres, as ITTO reported.

The volume of timber shipped as bulk cargo rose 4% to 2.90 million cubic metres while container shipments increased 11% to 170,000 cubic metres.

Demand for wood products is surging again driven by resurgence in the housing market. China’s timber imports in 2013 were the highest ever.

Observers say Zhangjiagang Port has improved its clearance efficiency through better services at port and this helped the port expand business and reverse the decline in trade recorded in the first half of 2013.

For 2013 timber imports from Papua New Guinea dropped 7% to 1.26 million cubic metres but imports from Solomon Islands increased 31% to 676,000 cubic metres.

Timber imports from African countries continued to grow in 2013 and were 12% up on the previous year at 890,000 cubic metres. Timber imports from the Republic of Congo, Cameroon and Equatorial Guinea all increased more than 25%. Timber imports from Myanmar dropped significantly (down over 60%) to 18,000 cubic metres.