Ports' reliance on logs in jeopardy due to China's insatiable demand

CentrePort's expanded log freight hub at Masterton is catering for demand. (Image: Supplied)

Fri, 15 Oct 2021

New Zealand ports, reliant on ever-increasing log exports, will start facing reduced volumes in the coming years as NZ’s forestry assets are unable to support demand out of China.Logs are significant earners for North Island ports, accounting for more than 80% of all log exports out of the country. Most are sent as raw logs on charter vessels. Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) data shows that more than half of NZ logs head to China.Port of Tauranga, the preferred exit point for the large central North Island forests, exported 6.3...

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