Firm prices and steady imports characterise early Q2

Latest News Mon, Jul 11, 2022 6:10 AM

Steady demand and increasing operational costs ensured that timber prices and import volumes remained firm in April 2022, according to the latest TDUK statistics.

Softwood witnessed a strong start to Q2, with volumes reaching 608,000m3 in April 2022. Despite being 18% lower than the record import level seen in April 2021, this is one of the highest totals in the last five years.

Hardwood imports have been strong, with 2022 January to April totals 19% higher than the corresponding period in 2021.

Steady demand was also seen for plywood, particleboard and OSB sectors in April.

Despite the significant price pressures seen in 2021 largely abating, trade disruptions from rising interest rates, logistics and freight, and the Russia-Ukraine conflict have kept the price situation tight in early Q2 2022.

TDUK Head of Technical and Trade, Nick Boulton, said: “According to the CPA’s latest forecast, the private housing and RM&I sectors are likely to slow considerably in the coming months as the cost-of-living crisis begins to bite.

“This will disrupt the steady timber import patterns seen so far in 2022, with demand for softwood, in particular, likely to slow in Q3 and Q4.

“Despite slowing demand, continued price pressure is to be expected as high-interest rates, inflation and logistical costs continue as we recover from the Covid-19 pandemic.

“The impacts of the Russia-Ukraine conflict will also become apparent in the coming months as the market feels the impact of UK and EU sanctions. This will be seen in the hardwood plywood sector as imports of birch plywood from Russia begin to cease.

“We will be publishing a special report in the coming days highlighting the impact of the conflict on timber import patterns.”

Featured News

Specification news
Graphenstone UK makes key appointment to its marketing...

Graphenstone UK, the leading carbon capture paint manufacturer, has appointed Lucas...

Read More >>

Specification news
Regeneration projects get funding boost

In a move set to breathe new life into neglected areas, the Chancellor’s recent...

Read More >>

BUILDING PRODUCT LIBRARY - LATEST BROCHURES

REVO.Prime TSA 325 NT Brochure

REVO.Prime TSA 325 N...
By GEZE UK Ltd

Download Now >>

Natural ventilation strategy for Sunderland SEND school Brochure

Natural ventilation...
By Passivent

Download Now >>

Squash Court Flooring Brochure

Squash Court Floorin...
By Junckers Limited

Download Now >>

Junckers Acoustics Floor System Brochure

Junckers Acoustics F...
By Junckers Limited

Download Now >>

BUILDING PRODUCT DIRECTORY - LATEST PRODUCTS

Ei1025 Environmental Sensor
Ei1025 Environmental Sensor

Discreet and secure, the Ei1025 Environmental Sensor can be placed throughout a property to monitor...

Read More >>

Ei1000G SmartLINK Gateway
Ei1000G SmartLINK Gateway

The Gateway and Cloud portal use Aico’s SmartLINK technology to bring together data from all...

Read More >>

Ei3030 Multi-Sensor Fire and Carbon Monoxide Alarm
Ei3030 Multi-Sensor Fire and Carbon Monoxide Alarm

The Ei3030 is a multi-sensor Fire & Carbon Monoxide (CO) Alarm. Containing our proven and dependable...

Read More >>

CONSTRUCTION VIDEOS - LATEST VIDEOS

Forma aluminium column casings for Winchester College
Forma aluminium column casings for Winchester College

In progressive and dynamic business sectors, such as construction, it’s natural to be forward...

Watch Now >>

Decorative metal bulkheads & column casings for Tesco Extra, Birmingham
Decorative metal bulkheads & column casings for Tesco Extra, Birmingham

Decorative aluminium horizontal bulkheads more than 100 metres long have been supplied and installed...

Watch Now >>

Vecta building linings for the perfect finish
Vecta building linings for the perfect finish

More than 150 sq.m of Vecta aluminium wall lining and a feature bulkhead have been manufactured and...

Watch Now >>