Log imports from the U.S. increased 4% to 1.5 million cubic meters from January to August 2024 and 60% in July 2024, according to China Customs.

In July 2024, imports of North American hardwood, Douglas fir and oak logs from the United States increased by 30 percent, nearly 400 percent and 41 percent, respectively.

The growth is largely due to the fact that China will extend its tariff exemption from August 1, 2024 through the end of February 2025 for hardwood logs and sawn wood imported from the United States.

This policy update means that by the end of February 2025, U.S. lumber suppliers will be exempt from the tariffs imposed by China.

By extending the tariff exclusion period, it is expected that the related lumber import costs will remain unchanged, which will help stabilize market expectations, provide a stable market environment for North American lumber importers in today's complex and volatile international trade environment, and greatly contribute to the rapid development of the U.S.-China lumber trade.