Timber imports at the Port of Belfast have grown by about 15% so far this year.
The trade, in mainly Scandinavian and Baltic wood, follows a record 2002 when some 200,000m3 of timber was handled.
The port posted year-on-year pre-tax profits of £13.1m in its annual report – £1m higher than the previous year.
During 2002 more than £14m was spent on new facilities. A “major” investment in its timber operations will be made later this year.
