UK softwood imports could increase by around 3.7% in 2026, according to new figures from Timber Development UK (TDUK), suggesting a potential recovery in the timber market as construction activity improves.
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Total UK timber and panel product imports reached 9.1 million cubic meters in 2025, representing a 2.2% decline compared with 2024 and marking the lowest annual volume in roughly a decade. Demand for timber products has remained relatively weak over the past four years, reflecting slower construction activity.
Softwood remained the largest import category, accounting for 61% of total timber imports. Volumes reached 5.55 million m³ in 2025, down 4% from 2024, mainly due to lower shipments from Sweden, Germany and Ireland. However, imports from Latvia and Finland increased, partly offsetting these declines.
Despite lower volumes, the value of softwood imports rose by 8%, driven by higher prices. The average price reached £89 per m³ in 2025, compared with £56 per m³ in 2024.
Other timber products showed mixed performance. Plywood imports grew strongly by 10.1%, while particleboard imports also rose 10.1%. Imports of engineered wood products such as laminated veneer lumber and glue laminated timber also increased. In contrast, MDF imports dropped sharply by 23%.
Industry analysts say the mixed results reflect ongoing demand in certain market segments despite weak overall construction activity. However, forecasts suggest softwood imports may recover in 2026, potentially reaching about 5.8 million m³ if confidence in the housing and construction sectors improves.
Source: www.globalwood.org
