Melissa Haslam
The effect of China’s suspension of log exports from Western Australia would be minimal, according to the Forest Industries Federation of WA. China suspended the export of logs from WA on 23 December, with Chinese customs authorities notifying the Australian Department of Agriculture, Water and Environment. Source: Timberbiz
Western Australia and New South Wales were the latest states to be suspended due to phytosanitary concerns, with log exports to China from Victoria, Queensland, Tasmania and South Australia having been suspended in November.
FIFWA has been liaising with AFPA, as it works with industry and DAWE on phytosanitary processes to address the Chinese Government’s phytosanitary concerns and allow for the resumption of the log trade as soon as possible.
FIFWA Executive Director Melissa Haslam said the WA industry was fortunate to have an established local processing sector and the export market of logs to China was minimal.
“WA timber businesses involved in this export market were already prepared for the announcement, so the impact has been minimal and well-managed,” Mrs Haslam said.
“This is a marginal market for WA, with up to about 50,000t of logs available for export to China annually.
“We are lucky to have such a strong local manufacturing sector, so we can process the majority of our logs domestically,” she said.
“At the moment we are experiencing great demand for timber locally, particularly in construction as people recognise the many benefits that come with building with timber.
“So, while this was not a critical market in WA as far as log exports go, it does serve as a timely reminder of how important it is to support our local timber industry so we can continue to sustain our own needs.”
