China: Plans to stabilise real estate market likely to result in increased timber imports

China's housing market has experienced a significant slowdown due to a change in government policy regarding property developers' borrowing. This decline has had a negative impact on related industries such as home furnishings, appliances, and construction. Historically, real estate has played a crucial role in China's rapid economic growth, but it also carried risks. Before the pandemic, home prices surged relative to household incomes partly because consumers preferred investing their savings in tangible assets. However, this trend has shifted. Potential buyers are holding off on purchases due to falling prices and some developers facing difficulties securing financing ...