UK timber product consumption fell by 10% in 2009, a new Timber Trade Federation (TTF) report says.
The fall, which follows a 20% consumption drop in 2008, equates to six million m³ less than in the pre-recessionary year of 2007.
“The TTF Statistical Review 2009 Industry Facts and Figures” reveals that UK producers have survived the recession better than importers, with the great majority of lost volume attributable to reductions in imports.
UK consumption of timber and panel products totalled 12.98 million m³ in 2009, a fall of 1.49 million m³ from 2008.
“This combination of events during 2009 had the effect of pushing prices of imported products higher and providing UK producers with an ability to capture greater volume and also a greater market share at better prices than had been achieved in 2008,” said TTF chief executive John White.
“Despite these trading difficulties experienced by importers over the last two years a number of positives emerged.
“The fear that many timber companies may have been forced out of business has not transpired and initiatives to support the industry, such as the TTF’s Responsible Purchasing Policy, continue to make great strides towards eradicating the importation of illegally felled timber.”
The TTF’s consumption figures are measured by adding imports to production from UK mills and deducting exports.
