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            According to the local media this will include 20 trillion   Decline in China’s log imports
          yen (US$137.4 billion) available for decarbonisation support   According to China Customs, log imports in the first quarter
          to encourage companies to participate  in the emissions   of 2024 totalled 8.85 million cubic metres valued at US$1.503
          trading system (ETS).                              billion, down five percent in volume and six percent in value

            Private sector company participation in the ETS, which   compared to the first quarter of 2023.
          began on a trial basis in Japan last year, is still optional but   In addition, the average price for imported logs was
          the government will make participation a requirement for   US$170 (CIF)  per cubic  metre,  down two  percent from the
          companies to receive its financial support for going greener.  same period of 2023.
            The government will establish industry-specific guidelines   Of total log imports, softwood log imports dropped eight
          for  reducing  greenhouse  gas  emissions with  a  view  to   percent to 6.20 million cubic metres, accounting for 70 percent
          setting targets. It will also consider providing guidance and   of the national total.
          recommendations to companies that fail to meet their targets   The average price for imported softwood logs declined
          based  on  these guidelines  from fiscal 2026,  when  the ETS   nine percent to US$134 (CIF) per cubic metre over the same

          comes into full effect.                            period of 2023.
            Companies will be able to set their own reduction   Hardwood log imports rose four percent in the first quarter
          targets based on ministry guidelines. Whether the targets   of 2024 compared to the same period in 2023 to 2.65 million
          are appropriate or not will be subject to certification by a   cubic metres, accounting for 30 percent of the national total.
          third-party organisation.                             The average price for imported hardwood logs rose four
            Currently, companies are free to choose whether or not   percent to US$254 (CIF) per cubic metre over the same
          to participate in the ETS and can set reduction targets on a   period of 2023.

          voluntary basis. The Ministry will not mandate participation   Of total hardwood log imports, tropical log imports were
          even  after  fiscal  2026  but  will  establish  a  mechanism  to   1.52 million cubic metres valued at US$391 million CIF, down
          encourage participation in the programme.          slightly in volume (1%) but up 1.5 percent in value from the
                                                             same period of 2023. Tropical logs accounted for 17 percent
          CHINA                                              of the national total log import volume.
          Production license management for plywood and         The average price for imported tropical logs was US$257
          blockboard                                         CIF per cubic metre, up three percent from the same period
          To ensure the quality and safety of industrial products, strengthen   of 2023.
          product management and source control, prevent major risks

          from product quality and ensure the safety of people's lives
          and property the State Council has adjusted the coverage                                            freepik
          of production licenses for some industrial products.
            The new production license management applies to
          six products such as cold-rolled ribbed steel bars, bottled
          liquefied petroleum gas, steel wire rope, plywood, blockboard
          and safety hats. The provincial industrial product license

          authority is responsible for implementation and this authority
          shall not be delegated.
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