UK boosts timber imports by 15% in October
Posted on January 14, 2025 |
UK timber and panel imports increased by 15% in October, showing strong growth for the year.
The year-to-date import deficit for 2024 narrowed to 1.2% compared to 2023, with softwood imports almost matching last year’s levels.
Softwood imports were up 11% in October, mainly due to a sharp rise in planned pine imports, adding about 27,000 m³.
Sweden provided 47% of the UK’s softwood imports, with Latvia also contributing higher volumes.
Softwood plywood imports grew the most in October, with Brazil adding 10,500 m³ and Finland supplying over 2,000 m³ more.
Unworked OSB imports increased, with Latvia adding 11,000 m³ and Germany contributing another 3,000 m³.
Lower OSB prices, including a 9% drop from Germany, helped boost demand and higher import volumes.
