Total softwood log stocks across China are now around 4.2-4.3 million m3. Daily uplift from the ports is currently at a record 90,000 m3 per day. The softwood log stocks have remained high since the Lunar New Year holidays. The previously mentioned 1.7 million m3 of Canadian SPF sawn timber equates to 2.5 million m3 of logs.
The rate of offtake over the next month will likely determine the market direction for the next three to six months. Over 2018 the total softwood log market remained balanced with the number of days inventory supply in the 40-50 range. Log exporters expect a similar balanced position to be sustained through 2019.