China’s forest product imports have surged over the past two decades, fueled by robust economic growth and an inadequate domestic timber supply. Many observers highlight the large and expanding trade volume as a significant driver of deforestation and forest degradation, especially in tropical regions. This research investigates the relationship between China’s imports of wood-based forest product and tropical forest loss. A positive relationship between China’s imports of wood-based forest products and the forest loss was found across all tropical countries, except those in Latin America. Additionally, land conversion to agricultural production and pasture for livestock are important drivers of the forest loss. The results provide insight into the complex policy, environmental and economic factors influencing tropical forest loss and the role of China’s demand for tropical forest products. This research offers valuable guidance for the Chinese government in crafting balanced policies that protect domestic forests while addressing tropical forest loss.
Sun et al. (Sun,) studied this question.