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Shanghai Imports More Timber
Timber imports passing through Shanghai Customs reached 300,000 cubic meters in the third quarter of this year, surging 50 percent over the second quarter, latest statistics indicated.
China has eased restrictions on timber imports over the past two years, and the government exempted duty on timber imports in January last year. Previously, the rate was two to three percent.
Meanwhile, more companies have been approved to import timber.
Demands on timber keep rising in China as the home interior decoration craze is sweeping the country. However, domestic supplies are insufficient because the government is carrying out an afforestation campaign and banning the rampant felling of trees.
Of the total imports in the third quarter, timber took a lion's share with 208,000 cubic meters, accounting for 69.3 percent of the total. Plywood and splint imports amounted to 64,000 cubic meters and panel imports were 28,000 cubic meters.
Shanghai Customs have increased efficiency in handling timber imports, and sternly dealt with illegal imports to safeguard the interests of law abiding firms. These measures have attracted more and more companies to use Shanghai as a port for timber imports.
In the first nine months of this year, Shanghai port handled 615,000 cubic meters of imported timber and wood products.
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