Timber and panel products experienced an
expected decline in import volumes in December 2021, according to the latest
Timber Trade Federation (TTF) statistics.
As the UK entered the festive period, the volume of imported timber and
panel products declined by 231,000m3 from November to December 2021.
Despite these declines, 2021 was a record year with 11.7 million m3
of timber imported to the UK – the highest yearly total since 2007.
The significant volumes seen in 2021 were largely due to extraordinary
market activity in the first three quarters, with Q4 witnessing a more regular
winter decline.
Softwood imports experienced the most dramatic decline, with volumes
dropping from 478,000m3 in November to 301,000m3 in
December.
Volume reductions were seen across nearly all product categories, from
hardwood to OSB.
TTF Chief Executive David Hopkins said:
“It is normal for timber and panel
product imports to tail off towards the winter months as construction demand
slows amidst the festive season, and as colder weather deters home and garden
renovations.
“As the weather improves and demand for
timber climbs, we can expect to see timber imports rebound in our trade
statistics, which is a regular pattern for the timber industry.
“We will be exploring what has been an
extraordinary year for the timber industry in our upcoming Market Statement,
which is set to come out next week.
“Going forward, we had expected to see a
comparatively stable market in 2022 however the awful situation in Ukraine has
cast some doubt on this prediction.
“We will be looking closely to see how
events unfold in the region and what impact this has on our sector.”
