China imported 20 million m³ of logs worth US$2.7bn in the first half of 2007, according to the latest International Tropical Timber Organisation report.
Softwood and hardwood log imports totalled 12.5 million m³ and 7.4 million m³ respectively, an increase of about 20% compared to a year ago. Tropical hardwood log imports were 4.46 million m³.
Russia continued to be the biggest log source for China, accounting for 14 million m³ of logs, 70% of total log imports. Papua New Guinea was the second biggest source at 1.3 million m³.
Sawnwood imports rose slightly during the period to 3.1 million m³, worth US$843m. Guangdong was the region importing the most sawn timber.
Wooden furniture represented the biggest export item for China’s timber industry. Around 132 million pieces of of wooden furniture worth US$4.8bn were exported during the first half.
Other wooden product exports, including doors and windows, gave China US$1.8bn earnings, while plywood continued to grow, with production up 27.8% to 4.5 million m³ (worth US$1.7bn).
China’s sawn timber exports totalled 412,000m³, representing a 20% increase in value to US$204m. Japan was the main export destination.
