From January to November 2024, China’s imports of EU-origin softwood lumber plummeted by 43%, reaching just 4.86 million cubic meters. The knock-on effects have been significant: total EU softwood lumber exports to China dropped by 35% year-on-year to 6.47 million cubic meters, while trade value fell 28% to $1.37 billion. Softwood has accounted historically account for over 70% of EU timber exports to China. European shortages meets Chinese construction crisis Two key factors explain the downturn. First, Europe is facing a severe softwood shortage. Germany has seen its substantial processing ...