Builders Merchants Journal – BMJ Publishing to Builders Merchants and the UK merchanting industry for more than 95 years
Timber and panel import volumes were 0.6% higher in Q1 2025 than they were in 2024, reaching 2.26 million m3 – the first Q1 growth on the previous year the sector has seen since 2021, according to the latest TDUK figures.
With volumes falling 1% in January 2025, and 9% in February, a 13% increase in volumes in March 2025 resulted in cumulative growth for the quarter as a whole.
Many of the main timber and panel products sectors expanded during Q1, with strong growth in volumes realised by OSB, Plywood and Engineered Wood Products (EWP). Softwood imports also grew by nearly 2%. The reduction in MDF volumes seen in Q1 2025 is being measured against a strong performance in Q1 2024.
TDUK head of technical and trade, Nick Boulton, said: “While challenges remain across the construction landscape, it’s encouraging to see import growth and forecasts pointing to improvements in the housing and RMI sectors – both key markets for timber. After a difficult few years, signs of recovery in new housing and the hope of a continued momentum in RMI give cause for cautious optimism but we fear may not come soon enough for some within the sector.
“Softwood imports have closely mirrored housing output over the long term, and with projected market growth through to 2027, the outlook for timber demand appears positive. For TDUK members, this offers a valuable opportunity to plan for gradual but sustainable growth in line with evolving market confidence and construction activity.”
The full TDUK timber and panel products import report contains full details of volumes right across the sector, broken down by timber type and supply country. TDUK members can sign in and read the full report on the TDUK website.
