Zhangzhou Wood Chip Imports Rise 44% in Q1 as Liansheng Paper Benefits from Faster Port Clearance

Wood chip imports through Zhangzhou Port rose sharply in the first quarter of 2026, supported by streamlined customs and inspection procedures that have accelerated raw material flows for local paper producers.

Total wood chip throughput reached approximately 1.58 million tonnes during the period, marking a 44.13% year-on-year increase. The surge was highlighted by the recent unloading of nearly 40,000 tonnes of Thai eucalyptus chips from the Singapore-registered vessel “MCQUEEN” at Zhaoyin No. 3 berth, demonstrating the port’s capacity for high-volume, rapid turnaround operations.

Efforts by local authorities, including the Zhangzhou Border Inspection Station, have focused on improving efficiency for bulk cargo vessels. Measures such as advance scheduling, online appointment systems, and one-stop clearance services have reduced vessel processing times and enabled faster unloading and cargo handling.

These improvements have directly benefited Liansheng Paper Industry, a major port-adjacent enterprise that relies on imported wood chips as a key raw material. The company reported achieving “zero waiting time” for raw material imports, contributing to more stable production and improved operational efficiency.

With a steady supply of inputs, Liansheng Paper has also expanded its export activity. In the first quarter, the company exported 37,000 tonnes of finished paper, up 126% year-on-year. Exports of white cardboard reached 31,000 tonnes, an increase of 93%, with shipments to markets including Malaysia, Argentina, and Chile.

The developments reflect a broader trend of integration between port logistics and industrial production in Zhangzhou, supporting a cycle of increased raw material imports and higher-value finished product exports.