According to the latest statistics from the Timber Trade Federation, the total import volume in the period January to June was higher for each month compared with 2013. Solid imports were 21% higher and panel products 16%, giving a combined increase of 19% on the first half of 2013.
Softwood volumes over the six-month period rose 20.9% on 2013, with imports from all leading supplying countries increasing. The value increased 30%, to £574m, comprising a 33% increase in sawn goods and a 23% rise in the value of planed goods. Prices increased by an average of 7% over the six months.
The value of imported whitewood was 34% higher, at £268m, and redwood was 27% up at £37m.
In the hardwood market, Italy was the only leading supplier that failed to increase volume. Imports from the US increased by nearly 10,000m3, Cameroon exported almost 4,000m3 more, and Germany 3,000m3. Lower than average growth from France and no growth from Italy helped to suppress growth from Europe.
Plywood imports rose by 6.9%. Hardwood plywood shipments were up 2.9%, with China and Russia accounting for the majority of the increase.
The vast majority of the 14.8% increase in softwood plywood imports was generated by Brazil, China and Chile. The volume from Finland has fallen dramatically, although the TTF points out this may be because it is incorrectly recorded in official data and this is being investigated.
Chipboard imports also rose – by 28.7% – with France and Germany accounting for nearly half of the 80,000m3 increase.
The volume of OSB imports was up 19.1%, and MDF 23.7%.
