The UK’s total timber imports fell 672,000m³ in 2011, with increases in panel products offset by the downturn in solid wood purchases, according to latest Timber Trade Federation statistics.
The new figures show a decline in imports every month over 2010, adding up to a total percentage fall of 8.2%.
Softwood imports over the year were 14% lower at 4.5 million m³. All major suppliers saw a fall in sales to the UK, the biggest experienced by Germany, down 38% and Ireland, down 29%. Sweden and Finland respectively saw drops of 7% and 6%.
Hardwood imports were 12.4% lower at 410,000m³. The US increased its market share to 25%, but saw a volume drop of 5,000m³. Largest falls came in imports from the Baltic states, Germany and Ivory Coast.
Imports of all panel products rose in 2011. Hardwood plywood was up 6.2% at 899,000m³, with China the biggest winner as its sales rose 80,000m³, giving it 50% of the market. There were increases for Russia and Finland too, but Malaysian and Uruguayan volumes fell.
Softwood plywood imports were 2.6% ahead at 429,000m³. China increased its volumes by 31,000m³, while Brazil experienced a 28,000m³ decline.
Chipboard imports were 7.7% up at 488,000m³, OSB 3.6% at 203,000m³ and MDF 2.4% at 611,000m³.
