From January to June 2024, Australia's log exports to China totaled 332 thousand m3, valued at $45.2 million. This resurgence follows China's 2021 embargo due to bark beetle infestations. Before the ban, annual exports averaged over 3.5 million m3 from 2016 to 2020. The trade dropped to under 400 thousand m3 in 2022 and was halted in 2023.
Monthly volume data shows significant fluctuations. In January, exports were 9.71 thousand m3. February saw a substantial increase to 69.8 thousand m3, followed by a peak in March at 92.1 thousand m3. April's volume slightly decreased to 81.6 thousand m3. May and June experienced further declines, with 49.8 thousand m3 in May and 28.7 thousand m3 in June.
Price trends varied throughout the first half of 2024. January recorded the highest average price at $236 per m3, according to Lesprom Analytics data. February's average price dropped significantly to $134 per m3, with a further decrease in March to $127 per m3. April saw a slight recovery to $132 per m3. The average prices increased in May and June to $143 per m3 and $138 per m3, respectively.
