Log imports through Caofeidian Port in China were 832,900 cubic metres valued at $111 million in 2016, a year-on-year increase of more than 700%, according to Hebei Entry-Exit Inspection and Quarantine Bureau.

Russia and Australia were the new suppliers along with usual suppliers of Canada, the US and New Zealand.

The range of species imported expanded to include Caribbean pine and araucaria along with the usual douglas fir, hemlock, spruce and fir.