WhatWood: Positive trends of improving prospects for Russian sawn timber exporters emerge in the Chinese market

Firstly, the stock of imported sawn timber in China’s major sea ports has been continuously declining for 6 consecutive months. Secondly, industry sources in the port of Taicang report that in January 2024, the daily sales of sawn timber exceeded the newly arriving shipments, which signals that the demand currently surpasses the supply. Thirdly, the demand traditionally rises on the eve of the Chinese New Year celebrations, which started on February 10 in 2024, followed by a prolonged decline of business activity. Besides, the Chinese side is additionally concerned by the exacerbation of attacks on cargo ships in the Red Sea.

Combined, these factors entailed a situation where the ask price of sawn timber from Russian suppliers has reasons to grow.

Find out more details about the sawn timber export to China in our monthly price review Russian Sawn Timber Market.