For the first half of 2016, Europe's softwood lumber exports to Japan have reached EUR 272 million.
According to the latest Eurostat figures, in the first six months of this year Japan imported (in value) 22% more softwood lumber from the European Union countries, up to EUR 272 million (2015: EUR 222,4 million).
Exports from Finland brought the biggest softwood lumber shipments to Japan, reaching a value of EUR 82,6 million, 21% higher than the same period last year (EUR 68,3 million). Also Sweden was an active exporter to Japan, as it sent to the country EUR 70,5 million worth of lumber, going 27% up as compared to the first six months of 2016.
Germany's exports increased the most, by 135%, from EUR 6,89 million last year to EUR 28,6 million in this year up to date. Romania was the only country were the imports decreased, from EUR 34,9 million in January-August 2015, to EUR 29,5 million up to date (-15%).
| Exporting country | 2015 | 2016 | Change in % |
| European Union | 222,413,520 | 272,035,959 | 22% |
| Finland | 68,335,090 | 82,641,050 | 21% |
| Sweden | 55,475,271 | 70,522,580 | 27% |
| Austria | 34,175,320 | 44,480,619 | 30% |
| Romania | 34,987,300 | 29,588,961 | -15% |
| Germany | 6,892,100 | 16,189,620 | 135% |
| Others | 22,548,440 | 28,613,130 | 27% |
| Other European Countries: Croatia | 19,490 | 4,160 | -79% |
| Total | 222,433,010 | 272,040,119 | 22% |
