August, the most recent month for when data was available, saw a 10.1% reverse for the main imported timber and panel products. This follows reductions of 9% and 2.2% in June and July respectively.
The first five months of 2012 all registered gains. Sweden enjoyed an increased share of UK softwood imports between January-August at 49%, followed by Finland and Latvia, both steady with a 13% market share.
Cumulative volumes amounted to 3.34 million m3, a 5% growth on a year ago.
Hardwood imports were 4.8% up for the period at 298,000m3, with the US enjoying a 25% market share, followed by Cameroon, which registered an increased share at 9%.
Plywood imports were 6.2% down, while hardwood plywood shipments fell by 4.2%. The top five hardwood ply supplier countries exported about the same volumes to the UK as they did in 2011, but a 22% reduction was experienced by the remaining players.
The cumulative hardwood plywood import volume was 602,000m3.
