Softwood timber imports are also on an upward trend. In the first half, China purchased 9,1% more softwood timber, especially from Canada and Russia, woodmarkets.comreported. Moreover, European countries made a breach on the Chinese market: according to Eurostat figures, Chinese imports of softwood timber from the European Union almost tripled in January-June 2013, reaching a value EUR 107 million. 

In the following years, Chinese demand of logs and softwood timber is expected to further rise and by 2015, the Chinese State Bureau of Forestry estimates a 50% increase of wood supply deficit.