China: Timber imports from Africa on an upward trajectory from 2011 to 2017

Logs

China imported around 23 million cubic metres of logs from African countries between 2011 and 2017. The continent remains one of China’s main source of tropical hardwood logs.

In 2017, log imports from Africa totalled 4.195 million cubic metres valued at US$13.26 billion, up seven per cent in volume and 12 per cent in value year-on-year and accounting for 40 per cent of all tropical hardwood logs imports. Equatorial Guinea was the top supplier, shipping 1.05 million cubic metres in 2017.

Countries from which exports have been increasing include South Africa, Zambia, the Republic of Congo and Nigeria.

Zambian logs were the most expensive, reaching an average price of US$1,386 per cubic metre. Most of these logs shipped were rosewood substitutes.

China’s log imports from Africa in 2017. Source: China Customs

Sawnwood

China does not buy much sawnwood but the volumes have been increasing over the years. It imported 788,000 cubic metres of sawnwood from Africa in 2017 valued at US$433 million, a YoY increase of 46 per cent. These imports accounted for just 11 per cent of total tropical sawnwood imports.

China’s sawnwood imports from Africa in 2017. Source: China Customs

Gabon was the main supplier in 2017, making up almost half of all tropical sawn hardwood imports. The average price for imported tropical sawnwood fell 10 per cent to US$550 per cubic metre in 2017 compared to a year earlier.

Zhangjiagang and Jinjiang Ports in Jiangsu province are the main ports in China handling shipments from Africa.

Source: ITTO