Panel imports to UK up 5%

25 August 2016

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Statistical Bulletin from The Timber Trade Federation (TTF) shows a continued growth in the volume of timber and panel products imported to the UK market in the first four months of the year.

The volume of imports was 5% higher compared to the same period of 2015, mainly due to an increase in the imports of panel products.

Major growth sectors included Brazil - which saw a 31% growth in volume of softwood plywood exported to the UK compared to 2015 ­- and Indonesia which increased its export of hardwood plywood by 53% in volume.

However, the value of softwood imports declined over the same period in 2015 by around 7.5%: sawn goods were down by around 8%, while planed goods were 6.5% lower. This is linked to currency fluctuations during this period.