China timber deficit set to continue

China’s overall timber raw material deficit could grow to more than 180 million m³ by 2015, according to the latest market report of the International Tropical Timber Organisation.

The situation, combined with the international supply of commodity wood products falling and rising Chinese domestic demand, means there is likely to be strong upward pressure on timber prices in the Chinese market.

China’s log imports rose to 34.35 million m³ in 2010 – double the level of nine years before.

More efficient logging practices and improved distribution could reduce the timber deficit, while incentives to invest in overseas forest production is another idea mooted.