OREANDA-NEWS. December 02, 2011. China’s total forest products trade amounted to USD 61.92 billion in first three quarters of this year, up 25% over the same period last year. Of the total, imports were valued at USD 30.36 billion, (plus 36%); exports were USD 31.56 billion, (plus 17%). The balance of trade was USD 1,195 million, down 74% from the same period last year, ITTO reported.

China imported 32 million cubic metres of logs during the period January to September 2011 at a value of USD 6, 268 million, up 25% in volume and 39% in value over the same period last year.

Of the total, imports of softwood logs were 23.70 million cubic metres, around 74% of the total and were valued at USD 3, 687 million.

This performance equates to an increase of 32% in volume and 57% in value. Hardwood log imports were 8.32 million cubic metres worth USD 2 582 million up 8% in volume and 21% in value year on year.

Tropical log imports amounted to 6.42 million cubic metres, up 3% over last year and accounted for 20% of total log imports and 77% of hardwood log imports.

Log imports were mainly from Russia, New Zealand, US and PNG.