The latest statistics from the Timber Trade Federation reveal that the recovery in demand continued with solid wood imports for the period January-March 25% higher than the same quarter last year, and panel product imports up 21%.
Sofwood imports rose by 25.7% to 1.4 million m3. The biggest gain was for Latvia, whose more than 50% increase in volumes gave it 15% market share. Sweden and Germany maintained their market share, while Russia’s increased by 5%.
Lower than average growth from Finland and little from Ireland reduced market share for the two countries.
The value of softwood imports rose 37% to £269m.
Hardwood imports grew by 19.2%. Oak from Ireland and beech from Germany helped the two countries increase market share but the US and Cameroon lost market share because of lower than average growth. Volumes from France were down 9%.
ardwood plywood imports rose 17.6%, driven by a 35% increase in shipments from China. Malaysia, Finland and Uruguay all lost market share.
A 34% increase in volumes from Brazil and China was largely responsible for the 24.4% rise in softwood plywood imports.
Chipboard import volumes were up by 30%, with Belgium and Portugal each achieving 59% growth and France 34% growth. Spain and Ireland both lost market share.
OSB import volumes were up by 14.5% and exports 6.4%, while those for MDF rose 21.1% and shrank 26.2% respectively.
On a less positive note, economists believe latest UK construction figures indicate growth beginning to slow.
The Economic & Construction Review shows value of new contracts awarded in May up by 5.3%, compared with April, to £5.3bn.
he number of projects was also up by 0.6%. However, the value of contracts in May was 3.7% lower than in 2013.
