China's wood product exports soar

Chinese plywood export volumes rose 39% in the first nine months of 2010 to 5.66 million m³, according to the International Tropical Timber Organisation (ITTO).

Fibreboard exports were 48% higher at 1.48 million tons, with total value of the shipments soaring to US$2.5bn.

China exported 83,000 tons of veneer, valued at US$156m, up 32% in volume and 22% in value compared to a year ago.

Solid wood flooring shipments rose 18% to 328,100 tons, valued at US$499m – a 15% rise in value.

A total of 407,600m³ of sawn timber was exported, worth US$256m, down 7% and 5% in volume and value terms respectively.

Chinese log imports surged 23% during the period to 25.7 million m³, worth US$4.49bn.