Softwood imports set for 28-year low

UK softwood imports are forecast to hit their lowest levels next year since 1981.

The Timber Trade Federation’s National Softwood Division issued a revised 2009 forecast – 5.36 million m³ – following the “speed with which the economy and business confidence have deteriorated”.

The revision is 600,000m³ lower than the division’s original estimate.

The previous lowest softwood import volume was 5.64 million m³ in 1981.