UK sawn hardwood imports during 2003 remained at a similar level to the previous year by volume, but their value dropped by about 14%, according to industry newsletter hardwoodmarkets.com.
Sawn imports totalled 446,000m3 last year, compared to 440,841m3 in 2002 but the value of the timber was down to about €237m, partly due to a decrease in oak shipments.
Hardwood log imports went up 16.6% to 80,874m3, with their value growing by 28% to €35m.
Tropical hardwood log imports dropped by around 24% last year, while the value of veneer shipments rose by nearly 6%.
American oak imports continue to reduce and hardwoodmarkets.com says the trend is likely to continue throughout 2004. Rising US oak prices and a shortage of kiln dried white oak has not helped the trade.
