Timber Import Volume into the U.K. Appears to be Returning to Traditional Winter Consumption Level

According to the latest Timber Trade Federation (TTF) statistics, timber and panel product import volumes into the United Kingdom continued to show a steady decline in Q4 2021, as a more regular demand pattern returns to the marketplace.

TTF statistics reveal that the volume of timber and panel products imported into the UK declined month-over-month between October and November 2021 by 158,000 m3. Despite these declines, with 768,000 m3 of timber and panel products imported into the UK in November 2021, the total volume of imports reported in 2021 exceeds 11 million m3.

Most products categories are also nearing record import volumes in 2021 even as they enter more regular trade patterns—including the usual winter decline. For example, softwood import volumes fell to 471,000 m3—a 90,000 m3 reduction from the previous month—and this trend was carried across product categories ranging from particleboard to OSB and MDF.

TTF head of trade and technical policy Nick Boulton said of the recently released statistics, “It is normal for timber and panel product imports to tail off towards the winter months as construction demand slows amidst the festive season, and as colder weather deters home and garden renovations. The fall in the volumes of imports in Q4 2021 also likely reflects the state of supply lines in the structural softwood market which appeared to be largely saturated at that time.”

“As the weather improves and demand for timber climbs, we can expect to see timber imports rebound in our trade statistics, which is a regular pattern for the timber industry,” Boulton added. “Over the coming year we expect to see a comparatively stable market—but this doesn’t mean there won’t be any squeeze on the supply chain particularly amidst rising international demand.”