TTF statistical review charts industry growth
19 December 2017The newly-released annual Timber Trade Federation (TTF) Statistical Review shows that the volume of wood products consumed in 2016 exceeded 16 million m3 for the first time since before the recession in 2008.
The publication – available for TTF members and associates – shows volumes increased by 3% last year.
Europe remained the UK’s single largest source of supply in 2016 by both volume and value. Europe and UK produced timber together accounted for around 91% of all supply. The Review shows UK imports grew by 4.4% in 2016 over 2015, boosted by growth in particleboard (+12%), MDF (+9%) and softwoods (+6%).
A near 1% increase was recorded for plywood imports but hardwood imports were lower in 2016 by around 2%. UK timber and panel product exports remained quite low, achieving a volume of 500,000m3.
The Review also confirms the UK timber industry – worth £9.6bn in 2015 – compares favourably with many other industries, confirming the importance of the sector within the UK economy.
“In terms of the value of wood products consumed in the UK, the year 2016 was the best since before the recession and indeed was better than the pre-recessionary year of 2007,” said David Hopkins, TTF MD.
Mr Hopkins said different and new challenges are facing the timber industry but he believed the sector had a long and mostly successful history of dealing with change.
For more details visit www.ttf.co.uk
