Jun 21, 2010. /Lesprom Network/. China's total imports of logs amounted to 11 million cubic metres in the first four months of 2010, up 24% from the same period in 2009, ITTO reported. Log imports from Russia fell 6% from the same period last year to 4.9 million cubic metres. On the other hand, imports from New Zealand rose 75% to 1.8 million cubic metres and imports from other main supplier countries were also up. In the first four months of 2010, China’s sawnwood imports were 4 million cubic metres, up 67% from the same period of 2009. The main sawnwood suppliers were Russia (up 31%), Canada (up 110%), Thailand (up 102%) and the USA (up 77%). The buoyant real estate market in China’s cities has significantly boosted demand for furniture. As a result, China’s wood-based panel imports rose substantially. The imports of plywood, particleboard and fibreboard rose 37%, 17% and 6% respectively compared to the first four months last year.