UK softwood imports were 4.9% up in January compared to a year ago, according to the latest Timber Trade Federation statistics.
The April report, compiled by Nick Moore of Timbertrends, says 297,000m³ of softwood was imported during the month (2009: 283,000m³) with Sweden taking a 48% market share (2008: 53%), Finland 13% (2009: 17%), Latvia 10% (2009: 9%) and Germany 7% (2009: 6%). Ireland doubled its market share to 8%.
Hardwood imports increased by 34.5% with 38,000m³ imported during January (2009: 29,000m³).
The US remained the largest exporter to the UK with a 22% market share (2009: 27%), with Latvia dramatically increasing its shipments to seize a 13% share (2009: 5%). Germany was third with 9%.
Plywood imports decreased by 2.7% to 89,000m³, with Malaysia remaining the largest exporter nation with a 33% market share, followed by Finland with 12% (2009: 4%) and China at 11% (2009: 14%).
However, softwood plywood products did increase by 39.3% to 43,000m³ during January, with Brazil easily the largest shipper.
Chipboard imports were 12.3% down, OSB was up by 40.9% and there was no change to MDF import levels.
For more information click here
