UK softwood consumption forecast to rise in 2013
19 October 2012UK softwood consumption is forecast to rise by 3.7% to around 7.9 million m3 next year, according a new Timber Trade Federation (TTF) report.
The growth is derived from combining the TTF's National Softwood Division (NSD) forecast with the Forestry Commission's statistics advisory group for UK production, plus estimates of softwood exports.
Consumption for the current year is expected to reduce by 1.4% to 7.6 million m3, as a result of changes in imported stocks over the year.
The NSD forecast predicts softwood imports will grow by 2.5% in 2013 to just over 4.6 million m3.
Taking into account a likely weakening of imports in the final months of 2012, the NSD estimates that this year's import total will be similar to 2011 at 4.5 million m3.
This equates to a year of two halves. The first six months saw a 6% growth in volumes compared to 2011, but volumes in the second half have so far lagged behind last year and are estimated to result in a 7% reverse by the end of December.
Ireland is poised to have seen the largest growth in UK-bound softwood exports in 2012, with a 13% increase projected, followed by Chile with 10%, Estonia (+9%), Sweden (+5%) and Norway (+3%).
Latvia's shipments are expected to see no change, while reductions are predicted for Finland (-1%), Germany (-11%), Canada (-16%) and Russia (-27%).
UK timber production is forecast to remain at the same level as 2011.
