China: Imports of Pinus radiata experienced the sharpest increase

China: Imports of Pinus radiata experienced the sharpest increase

In the first half of 2010, China’s imports of logs and sawnwood of radiata pine maintained a strong growth reaching 3.4 million cu.m, up 47% over last year and were valued at US$487 million, up 111%. The average unit price for these logs increased by 58% to US$131.7 per cu.m and for sawnwood 4% to US$236.6 per cu. m.

The main reason leading to the sharp increase in radiata pine timber imports is the price. Compared to Russian timber, the price development of New Zealand timber is moderate. Another reason is that radiata pine has a wide range of applications and the timber is becoming more and more popular among Chinese consumers.
From a long-term point of view, radiata pine will probably become the main imported timber species in Chinese market, say analysts.

China’s imports of radiata pine logs and sawnwood in the first half of 2010