Builders Merchants Journal – BMJ Publishing to Builders Merchants and the UK merchanting industry for more than 95 years
UK imported timber levels rose in July for a second consecutive month, according to figures released by timber trade organisation TDUK. Imports for July, the latest month for which data is available, were higher than in July 2023. Import volumes grew by 0.5% in June 2024, followed by 2.9% in July. As a result, the deficit of import volumes in 2024 compared to 2023 is continuing to reduce.
The overall deficit of January to July 2024 import volumes of the main timber and panel products remain 2.8% lower when compared to the first seven months of 2023. Solid wood imports were 1.7% lower, with panel product imports 4.8% lower. Softwood imports by the end of July 2024 were just 1% behind the volume of the seven months to July 2023.
The value of softwood imports in the first seven months of 2024 was 3.4% lower than over the same period in 2023. This overall decline in value of 3.4% was caused by the 1.3% reduction in volume coupled with a 2.1% fall in the average price of the basket of softwood imports. The value of planed softwood was 1.5% lower compared to 2023, with the value of sawn goods being 5.3% lower.
TDUK Head of Technical and Trade, Nick Boulton, said: “It’s encouraging to see a continued fall in the timber import deficit for 2024 when compared to the first seven months of 2023. While it’s still too early to have a clear idea of second half wood imports, the optimism for increased private housing and RMI in 2025 is certainly encouraging businesses to maintain their wood stocks through regular imports rather than letting them fall further. While our NSD forecast is probably a realistic reflection of current construction levels, the thought of better times ahead may encourage some additional imports as we head to year end.
“The new Government is still continuing to push ahead on its pledge to improve housebuilding starts across Britain, pledging at the recent Labour Party Conference to build 1.5 million new homes within five years. If this can be achieved it will certainly be a boost for the timber industry, for which new timber frame houses are a key source of demand, but it remains to be seen whether or not this challenging pledge can be achieved.
“We look forward to working with the Government to tackle the challenges that stand in the way of this achievement and believe that mass timber building can help the entire country achieve its housebuilding and economic goals.”
