Wood imports to China in the first quarter of 2026

Wood imports to China in the first quarter of 2026: decrease by 12.4%

    According to data released by the General Administration of Customs of China on April 14, 2026, imports of timber (logs and lumber) in the first quarter of 2026 amounted to 12.181 million m3, which is 12.4% less compared to the same period in 2025. March imports reached 4,679 million m3. The decline continues against the background of weak construction demand and an increase in domestic wood production.

Import data for the first quarter of 2026

Note: The values for January and February are calculated as the difference between the total result of the quarter and the March value.

Context: market trends

    The 12.4% decrease in imports in the first quarter of 2026 continues the trend observed in previous periods.:

• - 2025: Imports of softwood lumber to China decreased by 12.7% compared to 2024, amounting to about 14.51 million m3 (data from the port of Taicang).
• - Domestic production is growing: It is estimated that in 2025, China's timber production reached 144 million m3, an increase of 5% due to the maturation of commercial forests.
• - The construction sector is stagnating: Housing sales are projected to decline by 6% and investment in housing by 11% in 2026, which directly affects the demand for lumber.
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Reasons for the decline in imports

- 1. Weakness of the construction sector

    China's real estate market remains stagnant. Construction of new homes and sales of commercial housing have decreased significantly, reducing the need for imported lumber.

- 2. The growth of domestic production

    China's commercial forests, created over decades of investment, are reaching maturity. Domestic wood production increased by 5% in 2025, replacing some of the imports, especially in the low-cost segment.

- 3. High stock levels

    Inventories in China's ports remain significant. As of January 23, 2026, softwood stocks in the ports amounted to 2.49 million m3, and the stock—to-consumption ratio was 74 days, which is a balanced indicator, but does not stimulate new purchases.

- 4. Competition in the exporter's market

    Importers from Russia, New Zealand, Canada and Europe face fierce competition. Price pressure and the strengthening of the ruble/euro against the yuan make imports less attractive.

Key indicators of wood imports to China:

Importance for the market

    A 12.4% decrease in imports in the first quarter is the lowest figure in a number of years. For market participants, this means:

• - For Chinese traders: Stock pressure remains. It is necessary to look for niche products with high added value, where competition from domestic production is lower.
• - For foreign suppliers: China is becoming a "buyer's market". We will have to review the pricing policy and offer additional services (logistics, customization, payment deferrals).
• - For investors: Targeting segments independent of the construction boom (packaging, biomass, engineered wood) may be more promising.
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Forecast for the second quarter of 2026

    Analysts expect the import recovery in the second quarter to be moderate.:

•     - Construction activity traditionally grows in the spring, which can support demand.
•     - However, domestic production will continue to replace imports.
•     - Price competition between exporters will continue.

    Imports are likely to stabilize in the second quarter, but there will be no significant growth. A complete recovery of imports to the levels of 2023-2024 should not be expected.

Tags: #China #import_wood #logs #lumber #customs statistic #market analysis