UK Timber Import Volumes Rise 15% in October, TDUK Reports

UK timber and panel product imports were much higher in October, resulting in an overall 15% uplift in imports, Timber Development United Kingdom (TDUK) reported (1-10-25).

October marked a surge in demand, reinforcing a year of gradual volume improvements, TDUK said. The cumulative year-to-date deficit for 2024, compared to the previous year, narrowed to just 1.2% across all products. Notably, the softwood volume deficit was nearly erased in October, standing at just -0.3%, while OSB volumes surpassed last year’s levels.

Softwood imports in October were approximately 11% higher year-over-year, largely driven by a near doubling of planed pine imports—up about 27,000 m³. Swedish imports accounted for the majority of this growth, with higher volumes also recorded from Latvia. Sweden retained its position as the UK’s largest softwood supplier, contributing 47% of total imports.

Softwood plywood imports saw the largest proportional increase among timber products in October, with Brazil supplying an additional 10,500 m³ and Finland contributing over 2,000 m³ more. Unworked OSB volumes also rose sharply, driven by an 11,000 m³ increase in imports from Latvia and a 3,000 m³ rise from Germany. Average prices for German imports dropped by 9% between June and October, which may have influenced the volume increase, TDUK reported. Latvian prices fell by only 2% yet still saw a substantial increase.

In a statement accompanying the report, TDUK Head of Technical and Trade Nick Boulton said:

“The 15% growth in import volumes seen in October 2024 was exceptional when compared to the previous months, and it is certainly positive news that the cumulative import deficit between 2024 and 2023 is continuing to reduce. However, it is important to note that general sentiment in the sector would suggest that this monthly surge is a singular event, as opposed to a sign of significant sustained growth, with volumes for November 2024 expected to return to more ‘normal’ levels.”