According to the statistics from China Customs, during January to October 2006 China’s log imports were 26.78 million m3 valued at US$3.18 billion, up 9.9% in volume and 19.25% in value from the same period in 2005. Of the total, softwood log imports amounted to 16.54 million m3 (61.7%) valued at $14.13 billion, up 8.97% in volume and 24% in value from the same period in 2005. The average unit price for imported softwood logs rose 13.8% to $85.44 per m3. At the same period hardwood log imports came to 10.25 million m3 (38.3%) valued at $17.72 billion, up 11.45% in volume and 15.72% in value from the same period in 2005. The average unit price for imported hardwood logs rose 3.82% to $172.93 per m3.

During January to October 2006 China’s sawnwood imports were 5.09 million m3 worth 1.39 billion, up 1.3% in volume and 12.64% in value from the same period in 2005. Its average unit price rose 11.1% to $276.49 per m3.

We can see that during January to October 2006 China’s timber imports and the average unit price continued to rise. Local experts predict that this trend still will keep in 2007 and the prices for imported timber will increase due to timber logging and export policy regulation of some countries and international transport costs increase in 2007.