The total volume decreased by 1.8% from 13.69 million m3 in 2011 to 13.44 million m3 as timber-using markets struggled to grow and construction output shrank by 8%.
Imports accounted for 7.67 million m3 – marginally higher than the 7.59 million m3 in 2011. UK-produced consumption was down by 5% from 6.11 million m3 in 2011 to 5.77 million m3 last year, meaning UK-produced market share decreased from 44.6% to just under 43%.
The value of timber and panel products also fell – by 4.6% to just below £3bn, derived from the 1.8% fall in volume and a 2.8% decline in average prices.
The value of imported consumption was down by 1.3% from £1.83bn to £1.81bn, while the value of the UK-produced share fell by 9.6% from £1.2bn to £1.08bn.
The TTF says the changes in market share are largely the result of the removal of some UK chipboard production following the closure of Sonae’s plant in Knowsley in September 2012.
Improved output of UK-produced softwood was accompanied by an even higher volume increase in imported softwood volume.
For the full Statistical Review 2013 go to www.ttf.co.uk.