Chinese tropical sawnwood imports in 2015 totalled 4.77 million cubic metres, accounting for 18% of the national total and were valued at US$2.1 billion reflecting a 15% rise in volume but a 6% decline in value, ITTO reported.
The average price for imported tropical sawnwood was US$432 per cubic metre, a year on year decline of 19%. Just 10 countries supplied just over 96% of China’s tropical sawnwood requirements in 2015 namely, Thailand (64%), Gabon (7.2%), Philippines (6.6%), Indonesia (5.3%), Malaysia (5.2%), Cameroon (2.6%), Laos (2.2%), Ecuador (1.2%), Peru (1.1%) and Congo Rep. (1.1%).
Tropical sawnwood imports from Cameroon rose sharply (123%) in 2015 and imports from the Philippines fell dramatically (-47% ) over the same period.
The main entry points for tropical sawnwood imports in 2015 was Guangzhou and Shanghai Ports which accounted for 52% and 15% respectively of all tropical sawnwood imports.
Top 10 suppliers of sawn tropical hardwood
| 2015 imports in mil. cubic meters | Change in % 2014/2015 | |
| Thailand | 3,050,000 | 37% |
| Gabon | 340,000 | 41% |
| Philippines | 320,000 | -46% |
| Indonesia | 250,000 | -12% |
| Malaysia | 250,000 | 0 |
| Cameroon | 120,000 | 24% |
| Laos | 110,000 | -27% |
| Ecuador | 60,000 | 123% |
| Peru | 50,000 | -8% |
| Congo Rep. | 50,000 | 20% |
Data source: China Customs
Average prices for tropical sawnwood
| 2015 US$/cubic meter | Change in % 2014/2015 | |
| Thailand | 338 | -26% |
| Gabon | 645 | -2% |
| Philippines | 148 | -5% |
| Indonesia | 770 | -7% |
| Malaysia | 496 | -16% |
| Cameroon | 679 | 6% |
| Laos | 1240 | -26% |
| Ecuador | 910 | 21% |
| Peru | 818 | 1% |
| Congo Rep. | 651 | 13% |
Data source: China Customs
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