The boom is log exports is continuing.
NZX Agrifax market analyst Ivan Luketina said prices for some logs had set new records this month and the Agrifax log price indicator had hit a record level, passing the previous record set in 2011.
"Recent price rises have come from further pressure for supply in China, where on-port inventories have shrunk despite the record high rate of imports," Mr Luketina said.
Newly built house prices in China had increased 9.9 percent year-on-year, and that was the driving force behind the increased lumber consumption, he said.
As well, there had been a steady decline in log supply from Russia and, in China, domestic supply had been reduced due to a greater conservation effort.
"This means increased volumes are being sourced from the Pacific north-west and New Zealand," Mr Luketina said.
In New Zealand, the Auckland housing boom and the Christchurch rebuild had also driven up prices and demand for logs used for construction timber.
