The cumulative import volume was 1.1 million m3 higher than for the same period in 2013. Solid wood imports grew by nearly 21%, while the main panel products rose by about 13%.
In the third quarter, import volumes were 15.4% higher than a year before and represented the sixth consecutive quarter where volume was higher than the corresponding quarter a year earlier.
For softwood imports, Germany and Latvia continue to grow their UK exports the most, with both countries growing their volumes by around 40%. Latvia’s market share at around 15% for January-September is at its highest level since 2006.
The cumulative volume of softwood imports for the period hit 4.53 million m3 (2013: 3.75 million m3). The value of softwood imports was up 27%, with sawn goods rising 29% and planed timber up by 22% – giving a total increase of £184m for the period. Imported whitewood values grew to £411m (+32%), while redwood values rose 23% to around £262m.
The TTF said the overall rise in value was due to volume growth of around 21% and an increase in average price of nearly 5%. Hardwood import volumes were up 17.6% to 362,000m3, with higher shipments of oak arriving from Ireland, more tropical hardwood via the Netherlands and lower priced hardwoods from Estonia.
For plywood, all imports were up 4.4% to 1 million m3, with hardwood ply shipments up 2.2% and softwood ply up 8.7%. China continues to dominate hardwood ply imports with a 54% market share. A 2% market share fall for Finnish products is currently under market scrutiny.
In the softwood ply sector, Brazilian and Chinese imports grew 14% and 12% respectively. A 5% drop from Finland is being looked at for accuracy, while shipments from Chile grew by over 70%.
Particleboard imports grew 23.8%, following a 35.5% growth during the same period in 2013. Cumulative volumes reached 526,000m3 by the end of September. Portugal, France and Spain grew their UK imports by between 24% and 28%. For full details see www.ttf.co.uk
