UK imports of the main timber and panel products increased 7.5% in 2010 to 8.2 million m³ (2009: 7.6 million m³) according to the latest statistics from The Timber Trade Federation (TTF).
The TTF’s statistics bulletin said hopes that the fourth quarter would show an improvement on the same quarter in 2009 were dashed in December and not helped by the severe weather. Volumes in the quarter were down 4% on 2009.
Import volumes in the first half of 2010 were 13% ahead of the first half of 2009, while the second half comparison was only 2% higher.
Sofwood and hardwood imports increased by 7.9% for the full year, while panel products rose 6.6%.
Swedish softwood volumes decreased by 14% and market share also fell for Finland. Latvia saw 48% growth, while German timber was 62% up and Republic of Ireland shipments rose by 45%.
All leading hardwood export countries increased their volumes to the UK in 2010, though Asian nations did see a reverse.
The US is still top hardwood exporter with a 23% market share, followed by France (8%) and Italy (7%).
In the plywood market, Chinese imports grew by 55%, taking the country’s UK market share to 43%.
Malaysian volumes were 2% lower, while Finnish volumes were 20% up.
For further statistics, see www.ttf.co.uk.
