Chinese softwood lumber imports gain momentum in Q2

Chinese softwood lumber imports gained momentum in the second quarter after reversing a steep years-long decline earlier in 2023. China’s shipments from foreign suppliers climbed to 5.05 million cubic meters in the second quarter, up 20% from the same three months in 2022 and the highest total since the third quarter of 2021. Imports through the first half reached 9.47 million cubic meters, up 15% from the 2022 pace. Prior to this year, Chinese imports had fallen steadily for more than a decade. Shipments fell 10% in 2022 and plunged 23% in 2021 compared to ...