EU imports of Chinese cars and African timber rise

European Union imports of timber from Central and West Africa increased by 3.7% in the first eight months of 2026 compared to the previous year. This growth follows a three-year decline in imports from the region, which fell by 30% between 2022 and 2025. Major suppliers include Gabon, Cameroon, and the Republic of the Congo. The uptick in volume occurs ahead of the implementation of the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR), scheduled for December 30, 2026.

Separately, imports of new vehicles from China to the EU rose by 52.8% in the first half of 2026, reaching 708,908 units. The statistical value of these imports surged by 70.5% to 10.54 billion euros. This increase in value is attributed to a shift in the product mix toward more expensive electrified and hybrid models, driven in part by the expansion of brands like BYD.