Radiata Pine Log Quotes from Three Major Chinese Ports

Summary

Wood Network on 20 October 2026 released quotes for New Zealand-imported radiata pine logs at three major domestic wood ports: Taicang and Xinminzhou in Jiangsu and Lanshan in Shandong. The statistics cover 12 sub-specifications by length and quality grade. At Taicang Port, 4-metre small A grade is quoted at RMB 790 per cubic metre, 6-metre small A at RMB 770 per cubic metre, and both 4-metre and 6-metre medium A at RMB 820 per cubic metre.

At Xinminzhou Port, 4-metre small A is quoted at RMB 730 per cubic metre, 6-metre small A at RMB 800 per cubic metre, and both 4-metre and 6-metre medium A at RMB 800 per cubic metre, making it the port with the lowest overall quotes in this survey. At Lanshan Port, 3.9-metre small A is quoted at RMB 750 per cubic metre, 5.9-metre small A at RMB 780 per cubic metre, 3.9-metre medium A at RMB 820 per cubic metre, and 5.9-metre medium A at RMB 840 per cubic metre, with the long-length medium A specification commanding the highest quote among the three locations. Analysis indicates that pricing logic in the current domestic radiata pine log market is clear and the grade price differential pattern remains stable.

Within the same port, medium A grade logs of the same length are generally priced RMB 30 to 70 per cubic metre higher than small A grade, consistent with the product positioning of medium A grade as having better material quality, fewer knots and suitability for high-end processing. Xinminzhou Port leverages its locational logistics advantages to offer customer-friendly quotes, while Taicang Port and Lanshan Port, supported by dense downstream industrial clusters nearby, set corresponding prices for specifications in tight supply.

Commentary

Pricing differences for New Zealand radiata pine in the Chinese market reflect varying logistics costs and downstream industry agglomeration effects across ports. Taicang Port and Lanshan Port, surrounded by dense furniture and wood-based panel industry clusters, see strong demand for medium A grade logs, resulting in higher prices. Xinminzhou Port, by contrast, uses its locational advantages to attract customers with lower prices.

For small and medium-sized New Zealand forestry exporters, this means adjusting sales strategies according to the market positioning of different Chinese ports—for example, prioritising high-grade logs for Taicang and Lanshan, while directing small A grade or lower-grade logs to Xinminzhou. Meanwhile, the release of domestic plantation timber output in China may narrow demand for imported softwood logs in the future. New Zealand exporters should monitor this trend and consider expanding into other Asian markets or developing higher-value wood products.

Keywords: radiata pine logs, port quotes, Taicang Port Jiangsu, Xinminzhou Port Jiangsu, Lanshan Port Shandong, New Zealand imports, grade price differential, medium A grade, small A grade, timber prices

Source: China Timber and Wood Products Distribution Association