OpinionOpinion byMarcus MussonDirector of Forest 360·The Country·12 Jun, 2026 05:00 PM6 mins to readDirector of Forest 360‌Predicting log market movements is a bit like weather forecasting. Photo / Dave MurdochContent brought to you by Forest 360.THE FACTSExport log prices dropped in June after around 10 months of relative stability in the Chinese market.Shipping costs have increased significantly in recent months, putting pressure on returns for forestry exporters.Log supply in China remains high, with steady daily demand, meaning there is little upward pressure on prices.Winter – not the most enjoyable season for most, especially those in the forest industry. While many would agree that temperatures and rainfall would have you think we are still in mid-autumn, winter is still winter.