Timber imports to the UK settling down after periods of volatility
Posted on October 3, 2023 |
Timber imports in the UK are showing signs of stability after experiencing volatility, as indicated by data from Timber Development UK (TDUK) for H1 2023.
Softwood imports for the first half of 2023 reached 3,217,000 m³, a level reminiscent of pre-pandemic figures from 2019.
In H1 2023, softwood imports only saw a modest 5% decline compared to the same period in 2022, marking an improvement from the previous year's 17% drop.
Hardwood imports reached a record high in 2022 and demonstrated limited variation in 2023, with monthly volumes ranging from 37,000 m³ to 45,000 m³.
This stability has also been observed in the panel sector, with consistent monthly volumes in categories like plywood, MDF, and OSB.
Overall, H1 2023 volumes were 7% lower than in H1 2022, though June imports were 2% higher year-on-year.