According to China Customs data, China’s lumber imports experienced a slight decrease in the first half of 2024. The total imports amounted to 13.96 million cubic meters, valued at US$3.588 billion, reflecting a 2% decline in both volume and value compared to the same period in 2023. This decrease is attributed to several factors, including a downturn in the construction industry, which has weakened the overall demand for imported timber, and a seasonal slowdown caused by the rainy season in southern China. Despite the decline in volume, the average CIF price for lumber imports saw a slight increase of 0.5%, reaching US$257 per cubic meter.