The Chinese government is taking steps to increase its domestic supply of timber, which could have an impact on hardwood imports, according to an article in Fordaq.
By 2020, China’s State Forestry Administration hopes to have established an additional 14 million hectares of national forests filled with fast-growing species and high-value species.
The plan “may lead to a drop in dependence on imports” in the long-term, the Fordaq article said.
However, for now, a recent decision could actually boost imports. The central Chinese government is no longer allowing local administrations in Northeast Chine and the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region to harvest trees.
Ultimately, the changes in policy and supply regarding China’s domestic forests need to be monitored closely for its impact on imports, the article said.
