The division is also forecasting a rise in UK sawmillers’ softwood production of 2.4% this year and a 3.9% rise in 2014.
The total volume of UK imported softwood this year is expected to be around 4.58 million m3 (2012: 4.76 million m3), with volumes falling from all the main producing countries except for Ireland, which is projected to see a 1.2% rise to 371,000m3.
Of the main countries, Russia is forecast to see its UK volumes dip the most – down 10.2% to 225,000m3, with leading shipper Sweden falling 5.3%. In terms of product sectors, softwood imports into the main construction market are forecast to fall 4.8%, but pallets, packaging, fencing and outdoor timber will all see growth of 2%-2.7%.
Imports are predicted to rise to 4.66 million m3 in 2014, with all countries to see modest growth. NSD believes Latvia’s UK softwood export growth will be the largest – rising 5.2%, while overall volumes going into the construction sector will recover with 1.6% growth.
The NSD has combined its statistics with the Forestry Commission Expert Group on Timber & Trade Statistics to give forecasts for UK sawmilling softwood production.
The 2.4% growth in domestic production to 3.44 million m3 will increase to 3.9% (3.58 million m3) in 2014, with exports remaining low at 130,000m3 in 2013 and 140,000m3 in 2014.
UK softwood consumption is predicted to fall 1.4% to 7.89 million m3 in 2013 before rising 2.7% to 8.1 million m3 next year.
(For more details visit www.ttf.co.uk)
