Timber and panel import volumes reached 2.26 million cubic metres in Q1 this 12 months, in keeping with the newest Timber Improvement UK (TDUK) figures.
The 0.6% year-on-year progress was the primary improve seen since 2021.
Volumes fell 1% in January 2025 and 9% in February, however a 13% improve in volumes in March 2025 resulted in cumulative progress for the quarter as a complete.
Following the instability seen between 2020 and 2022 – with the covid pandemic at first suppressing financial exercise after which unleashing a rebound – charges of progress and decline have since steadied.
Lots of the fundamental timber and panel merchandise sectors expanded throughout Q1, with sturdy progress in volumes realised by OSB, plywood and engineered wooden droducts (EWP). Softwood imports additionally grew by practically 2%. The discount in MDF volumes seen in Q1 2025 is being measured in opposition to a powerful efficiency in Q1 2024.
Sawn and planed pine import volumes elevated strongly within the early months of 2025. Pine volumes had been 32% increased in Q1 2025 than in Q1 2024 – a rise of greater than 95,000 cubic metres. Most of this improve got here Sweden, however progress was additionally recorded from Norway, Germany, the Netherlands and Estonia. Common costs of imported pine additionally rose by 4% in Q1 2025. In the meantime, whitewood import volumes had been 10% decrease.
Complete softwood import values rose by 12% year-on-year, supported by a 2% improve in quantity and a ten% rise in common costs to £268 per cubic metre. Planed softwood values elevated by 9%, whereas sawn softwood jumped 16%. Redwood values soared by 37% and combined species by 24%, whereas whitewood values remained flat.
Hardwood import volumes declined by 2.8%, although key suppliers just like the USA (+8%) and France (+4%) expanded their shipments. Tropical hardwoods grew practically 3% in quantity, led by Cameroon (+17%) and the DRC (+58%). In distinction, temperate hardwood volumes fell by 4%, pushed by an 18% discount from Estonia. Common hardwood costs rose by 4.5% to £811 per cubic metre, with combined species displaying the sharpest rise at 11%.
Plywood imports had been combined; hardwood plywood volumes edged up 1.1%, led by China and Malaysia, although values fell 1% attributable to decrease costs. Softwood plywood values surged by 34% on the again of a 25% rise in quantity and a 7% worth improve, with Brazil supplying 80% of UK imports.
Particleboard imports had been steady in quantity, however noticed an 11% drop in worth attributable to a 12% fall in common worth. Provide shifts included losses of -25% from Portugal and positive factors from Spain (+12%) and Luxembourg.
Total, Q1 2025 exceeded the sector’s low expectations, TDUK stated, with stronger-than-expected volumes and a transparent upward motion in pricing, particularly throughout softwood and softwood plywood.
TDUK head of technical and commerce Nick Boulton stated: “Whereas challenges stay throughout the development panorama, it’s encouraging to see import progress and forecasts pointing to enhancements within the housing and RMI sectors – each key markets for timber. After a tough few years, indicators of restoration in new housing and the hope of a continued momentum in RMI give trigger for cautious optimism however we worry might not come quickly sufficient for some inside the sector.
“Softwood imports have intently mirrored housing output over the long run, and with projected market progress by means of to 2027, the outlook for timber demand seems optimistic. For TDUK members, this presents a invaluable alternative to plan for gradual however sustainable progress consistent with evolving market confidence and building exercise.”
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