Sawn softwood imports are predicted to increase 14% in 2010, according to the latest Timber Trade Federation (TTF) forecast.
The TTF’s National Softwood Division (NSD) forecast charts imports to rise to 5.4 million m³ next year. Volumes are expected to decrease 14% this year to 4.7 million m³.
Imports remained fairly constant between 2003 (8.1 million m³) and 2007 (7.94 million m³) before a huge drop in 2008 (5.48 million m³).
The NSD expects softwood consumption to increase 4% in 2010 to 7.99 million m³. Consumption is expected to shrink 4% this year to 7.68 million m³.
The forecasts will be presented at the UNECE Timber Committee meeting and the International Softwood Conference in October as part of the UK’s information provision.
