A record-breaking year for handling timber imports has been reported at Associated British Ports (ABP) Port of Ipswich for the second year in succession.
Timber imports grew to more than 335,000m3 during 2004, an increase of nearly 12% on the previous year’s volumes.
The rise in imports from Latvia, Lithuania, Sweden and Finland to the port reflects the strong level of sales seen throughout much of the UK forest products industry during last year.
ABP East Anglia Ports port manager Rob Smith said timber was an important trade for the Port of Ipswich.
“We count among our customers several major timber importers, with whom we have successfully built up long-term business relationships. This, in addition to the extensive timber storage and processing facilities we offer at the port, means that we are well placed to see an increase in the volumes of timber imports for the foreseeable future.”
