Summary
Mysteel released its latest Taicang Port log market update at 10:08 on 5 November 2026. Radiata pine log quotes at Taicang Port were tiered by specification: 4m Small A, 6m Small A, 4m KI and 4m KIS all at RMB 7**; 4m Medium A, 6m Medium A, 4m Large A and 6m Large A all at RMB 8**; P30 at RMB 9**; and P40 the highest at RMB 11**. All cargoes originated from New Zealand.
The page also provides entry points to 7-day, 15-day and 30-day log price trend charts, and links to Taicang Port, Xinminzhou Port and Chongqing Port log spot price updates from 2 November to 4 November. In its disclaimer, Mysteel said the information is provided with every effort to be accurate and objective, but no guarantee is given as to whether necessary changes may be required; the information is for customers' decision-making reference only, does not constitute direct advice, and customers should not substitute it for their own independent judgement.
Commentary
Spot quotes for New Zealand radiata pine at China's Taicang Port are tiered by specification, with P40-grade logs reaching more than RMB 1,100 per cubic metre while Small A grade sits in the RMB 700 range. The spread reflects steady Chinese demand for higher-grade construction timber. As the world's largest radiata pine exporter, New Zealand ships about 20 million cubic metres of logs to China each year, accounting for more than 40 percent of China's total softwood log imports.
For small and medium-sized New Zealand forestry companies, greater price transparency in the Chinese market means more direct competition, but also offers opportunities to capture premiums through differentiated specifications. China's property sector is currently in a period of adjustment, and growth in construction timber demand has slowed, although infrastructure construction and furniture exports continue to support baseline volumes. Taicang Port, as a core timber distribution hub in the Yangtze River Delta, has price trends that serve as a bellwether for the national market.
New Zealand exporters need to watch changes in China's log inventory cycle, as well as substitution competition from Russian and European spruce. Amid freight and exchange-rate volatility, locking in long-term contracts or shifting to higher-value-added sawn timber may be prudent choices for SMEs.
Keywords: log prices, Taicang Port, radiata pine, New Zealand, log market, Mysteel, spot prices, price trend chart
Photo from Unsplash (placeholder)
Source: Mysteel
Disclaimer: This article is compiled from publicly available sources for general information only. The analysis and commentary are editorial opinions. MiDeer Observer does not guarantee the accuracy or completeness of the information provided. Readers should seek independent professional advice before relying on this content, or contact us for more information.
