The increase in import volumes comes amidst a resurgent housing market, with housing starts up by 26% in England in Q4 2020 as compared to Q4 2019.

The recovery in import volume seen in the second half of 2020 continued in January 2021 with timber and panel imports 12% higher than in January 2020.

The volume of solid timber and panel products imported in January 2021 totalled 895,000m3, a 100,000m3 rise from January 2020’s total imports of 795,000m3. 

When comparing January 2021 with January 2020 the statistics revealed that among the individual product categories:

  • Softwood import volumes rose by 22% (530,000m3)
  • Hardwood import volumes fell by 5.5% (38,000m3)
  • Softwood plywood import volumes rose by 24% (82,000m3)
  • Particleboard import volumes fell by 42% (41,000m3)
  • OSB import volumes rose 135% (58,000m3)
  • MDF import volumes fell by 22.5% (60,000m3)

The increase in import volumes comes amidst a resurgent housing market, with housing starts up by 26% in England in Q4 2020 as compared to Q4 2019.

Exclusively to TTF members, the full monthly report highlights the stories behind these statistics, including a focus on panel product imports over the last five years.

David Hopkins, CEO of the Timber Trade Federation, said: “Our latest statistics reflect the determination of our members to match supply to demand, with a growth in overall wood product imports amidst a competitive international market which is keeping supply tight the world over, and a surge in construction in the UK.

“This growth is being supported by a buoyant housing market, a government eager to invest, and consumers choosing to spend money saved during the pandemic on home improvements, with some £160 billion saved during the last year.“