UK timber imports rose slightly in Q3 2025, offering a modest boost to an otherwise challenging market, according to Timber Development UK. Total imports for January–September reached 7.01 million m³, 2.1% below the same period in 2024, narrowing the gap from a 2.9% decline at mid-year.
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The third-quarter uplift was driven by restocking following a surge in construction activity. Softwood, hardwood, plywood, OSB, and engineered wood products all recorded higher volumes compared with Q3 2024, although a 25% fall in MDF imports limited overall growth. Hardwood plywood and engineered wood products continued consistent gains.
Supply shifts were notable within softwood imports, with Sweden, Germany, and the Republic of Ireland reducing volumes, partially offset by increases from Latvia and Finland. Softwood values rose 9%, reflecting a 12% increase in average prices. Hardwood imports were broadly flat, while panel products showed mixed performance, with significant rises in hardwood plywood from China and Malaysia.
Looking ahead, NSD forecasts UK softwood imports to fall 3% in 2025 before rebounding 3.7% in 2026. Nick Boulton of TDUK highlighted that while Q3 shows improvement, "the market remains difficult and overall volumes remain behind last year's levels."
Source: www.globalwood.org
