China: Softwood Market Update 2025

China is the world's largest importer, processor, and consumer of wood products. In recent years, the market for imported softwood has slowed due to reduced real estate demand and increased domestic timber production, particularly fast-growing species like Chinese fir and Masson pine. U.S. softwood exports have declined since reaching a peak in 2017-2018. New Zealand and Russia are the top suppliers of softwood logs and lumber, respectively. Major ports like Lanshan, Taicang, and Nansha serve as key entry points, with distribution relying on both traditional retail channels and modern methods like e-commerce and trade shows. The industry is adapting to rising demand for certified sustainable wood products and diversifying raw material use, while domestic timber increasingly replaces imports in lower-end applications. On November 10, 2025, China lifted its ban on U.S. log exports.