May was top month for UK timber imports so far in 2023

And despite general economic and construction/RMI challenges, TDUK indicated “cautious positivity” for Q3.

TDUK said softwood imports have proved particularly buoyant, with volumes in May 8% higher than the 2023 average.

Overall volumes, however, remain below 2022 levels. 

Total import volume in the first five months of 2023 was 378,000m3 lower, or 8% less than over the same period in 2022.

In the long term, monthly variations appear to be stabilising following three years of dramatic fluctuation.

“The overall economic picture for the UK is gloomy, with sticky inflation and high interest rates reducing confidence in the construction sector,” said TDUK Head of Technical and Trade, Nick Boulton.

“This is seen in the latest CPA forecast, with crucial timber demand driving sectors like private housing and RMI predicted to decline by 19% and 11% respectively, likely returning to growth in 2024.

“However, in 2023, timber import patterns seem to be bucking these downward trends, with volumes witnessing growth in four of the five months so far this year. May even saw growth across all the major import categories something we certainly would not have predicted at the beginning of the year.”

Mr Boulton signalled room for cautious positivity heading into Q3.