Wood Resource Quarterly reports forest product imports from the U.S. fell by almost 42 percent in value.

SEATTLE, Wash. -  Wood cost is the factor that often determines the competitiveness of a pulp manufacturing plant or region, because it is the largest cost component when producing wood pulp. During the past few years, this cost has varied between 45% and 70% of the total cash cost, depending on product grade and the costs of other components such as chemicals, energy and labor.

Importation of logs to China jumped 76% in March with New Zealand and Australia increasing their shipments the most, reports the Wood Resource Quarterly.

Softwood lumber exports were 5-8% higher in Canada, Russia and the Nordic countries in 2014, but lumber prices fell toward year's end on a strengthening US dollar and weaker wood markets in Europe and Asia.

Sawlog prices declined in many countries during 2014 and the GSPI price index in the 4Q/14 was at the lowest level in two years, reports the Wood Resource Quarterly.

Softwood log imports to China slowed in the 4Q/14, but 2014 was still a record year with the import value surpassing 5.4 billion dollars, reports the Wood Resource Quarterly.

Ships carrying overseas shipments of wood chips, which account for about 70 account of global wood chip trade, are being updated, with Japan and China being the major builders of the specialty vessels, as well as the wood chip's destinations.

Higher demand for wood products following the global recession has resulted in a steadily increasing trade in softwood lumber the past five years, reports the Wood Resource Quarterly. Global shipments in the first half of 2014 were up seven percent as compared to the same period in 2013.

Sawlog prices moved up in North America, Eastern Europe and Latin America, while falling in Western Europe.

Lumber imports to China picked up 19 percent during the second quarter after the construction market picked up some steam. But third quarter is expected to contract.