Timber and panel product import volumes continued to show a steady decline in Q4 2021 as more ‘regular’ demand returns to the market, according to the latest Timber Trade Federation (TTF) statistics. The latest TTF statistics found the volume of timber and panel products imported into the UK declined by
The recovery in import volume seen in the second half of 2020 continued in January 2021 with timber and panel imports 12% higher than in January 2020. The volume of solid timber and panel products imported in January 2021 totalled 895,000m3, a 100,000m3 rise from January 2020’s total imports of
Timber and panel product import volumes continued to show a steady decline in Q4 2021 as more ‘regular’ demand returns to the market, according to the latest Timber Trade Federation (TTF) statistics. The latest TTF statistics found the volume of timber and panel products imported into the UK declined by 158,000m3 in November 2021 as compared to October 2021. Despite these declines, with 768,000m3 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. 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: “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. “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. “We will be exploring all these trends in full in our next Market Statement, which will come out next month.” Members can read the full report and more on the TTF Statistics Hub: https://ttf.co.uk/statistics/
The recovery in import volume seen in the second half of 2020 continued in January 2021 with timber and panel imports 12% higher than in January 2020. The volume of solid timber and panel products imported in January 2021 totalled 895,000m3, a 100,000m3 rise from January 2020’s total imports of 795,000m3. When comparing January 2021 with January 2020 the statistics revealed that among the individual product categories: Softwood import volumes rose by 22% (530,000m3). Hardwood import volumes fell by 5.5% (38,000m3). Softwood plywood import volumes rose by 24% (82,000m3). Particleboard import volumes fell by 42% (41,000m3) OSB import volumes rose 135% (58,000m3). MDF import volumes fell by 22.5% (60,000m3) The increase in import volumes comes amidst a resurgent housing market, with housing starts up by 26% in England in Q4 2020 as compared to Q4 2019. Exclusively to TTF members, the full monthly report highlights the stories behind these statistics, including a focus on panel product imports over the last five years. David Hopkins, CEO of the Timber Trade Federation, said: “Our latest statistics reflect the determination of our members to match supply to demand, with a growth in overall wood product imports amidst a competitive international market which is keeping supply tight the world over, and a surge in construction in the UK. “This growth is being supported by a buoyant housing market, a government eager to invest, and consumers choosing to spend money saved during the pandemic on home improvements, with some £160 billion saved during the last year.“
