Chinese tropical log imports in 2015 totalled 8.9 million cubic metres accounting for 20% of the national total and were valued at US$2.8 billion reflecting a 10% decline in volume and a 32% decline in value.
The average price for imported tropical logs was US$319 per cubic metre, a year on year drop of 25%.
China imported tropical logs mainly from Papua New Guinea (36%), Solomon Islands (25%), Equatorial Guinea (7.4%), Cameroon (6.2%), Nigeria (6.1%) and Congo Brazzaville (5.9%).
Just 10 countries supplied 96% of China’s tropical log requirements in 2015.
Log imports from Equatorial Guinea grew 32% in 2015 and imports from Cameroon expanded 14% over the same period.
Countries from which tropical log imports declined included Malaysia (-47%) and Laos (-43%). The main point for tropical log imports in 2015 was Nanjing Port which accounted for 84% of all tropical log imports.
Average tropical hardwood log prices, 2015
| Average price US$/cu.m. | Change in % 2014-2015 | |
| PNG | 209 | -14% |
| Solomon Is. | 198 | -8% |
| Equatorial Guinea | 272 | -24% |
| Cameroon | 336 | -14% |
| Nigeria | 627 | -9% |
| Congo (Brazzaville) | 337 | -20% |
| Laos | 1292 | -24% |
| Malaysia | 329 | -3% |
| Liberia | 271 | -13% |
| Suriname | 318 | -10% |
Source: China Customs
Top tropical hardwood log sources, 2015
| 2015 import in m3 | Change in % 2014-2015 | |
| PNG | 3162900 | -4% |
| Solomon Is. | 2221900 | 1% |
| Equatorial Guinea | 657800 | 32% |
| Cameroon | 549200 | 14% |
| Nigeria | 546000 | 8% |
| Congo (Brazzaville) | 526100 | -8% |
| Laos | 261200 | -43% |
| Malaysia | 200000 | -47% |
| Liberia | 119400 | 17% |
| Suriname | 90800 | -14% |
Source: China Customs
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