In the third quarter of 2021, timber and board imports exceeded 3.32 million cubic meters, as the market achieved a balance of supply and demand after a record year of imports.
Statistics from the Timber Trade Federation (TTF) show that the import level is more than 23% higher than in the third quarter of 2020, and more than 10% higher than the previous third quarter import volume of more than 3 million cubic meters (2007).
Cork is being imported from a wider range of countries in the past quarter, with Latvia, Finland, and Germany growing to account for 61% (1.1 million m 3 of 1.8 million m) 3 of the cork imported in Q3 2021.
Other wood products, including hardwood, plywood, particleboard, oriented strand board and medium-density fiberboard, also saw significant growth in the third quarter of 2021 compared to last year.
The federation insists that although the supply of some commodities continues to be under pressure, due to strong demand and logistics issues, the timber supply chain as a whole has proven to be resilient, and the timber industry is in a good position to meet the demand in 2022.
Nick Bolton, head of TTF's technology and trade policy, said: "These latest statistics continue to reflect the amazing demand for wood products over the past year, which puts the UK on track to surpass previous import records.
"After this record period, inventory levels have returned to pre-pandemic levels, and the logistics supply chain is struggling to find enough space to increase production so much so that in Sweden, we have seen some sawmills reduce the overall Yield.
“However, although we can see a rebound in inventory levels, the UK market is clearly in a different position compared to two years ago. The shortage of heavy truck drivers, port delays, and changes to Brexit may continue to affect the UK market in the future. Months.
"Despite these challenges, the past 21 months have proven that the wood supply chain is resilient. We are able to meet the growing demand for sustainable low-carbon building materials-both now and in the future.
"As a low-carbon, low-energy building material, wood is likely to become the material of choice for climate-conscious architects, engineers, developers, and planners in the UK. As the tensest period of supply and demand may have passed, we You can expect to resume more routine activities in 2022."