UK timber and panel imports rose slightly in Q1 2025, up 0.6% year-on-year to 2.26 million m³, according to Timber Development UK (TDUK). This marks the first Q1 growth in the sector since 2021.
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Despite a "challenging" start, with January and February volumes down 1% and 9% respectively, a strong 13% rebound in March drove overall quarterly growth. Gains were led by OSB, plywood, engineered wood, and softwood products.
Softwood imports increased nearly 2%, with sawn and planed pine volumes rising 32%, mainly from Sweden, but also from Norway, Germany, the Netherlands, and Estonia. Average pine prices rose 4%, while whitewood volumes fell 10%. Total softwood import values climbed 12%, fuelled by higher prices and volumes.
Hardwood imports dipped 2.8%, though the USA and France posted gains. Tropical hardwoods rose nearly 3%, led by Cameroon and the DRC, while temperate hardwoods declined.
Plywood data was mixed, with hardwood plywood volumes up slightly but values down. Softwood plywood values jumped 34%, with Brazil providing the majority.
TDUK's Nick Boulton said the quarter "exceeded low expectations", adding that signs of recovery in housing and RMI offer "cautious optimism", though challenges remain for many in the sector.
Source: www.globalwood.org