Chinese imports of logs drop sharply in 1H 2020

China’s log imports fell sharply in 1H 2020 to 24.51 million m³ valued at US$3.558 billion, down 60% in volume and 62% in value from the same period of 2019.

Of total log imports, softwood log imports fell 61% to 17.64 million m³, accounting for 72% of the national total. Hardwood log imports fell 55% to 6.87 million m³ (28% of the national total log imports).

Of total hardwood log imports, tropical log imports were 4.11 million m3 valued at US$956 million, down 59% in volume and 64% in value from the same period of 2019 and accounted for 60% of all hardwood log imports.