The latest statistics from the Timber Trade Federation (TTF) show that in June 2021, the volume of imported timber increased sharply, exceeding 1 million cubic meters.
1.01 million cubic meters of timber entered the UK in June, bringing the total import volume in the first six months of 2021 to more than 6 million cubic meters, the highest level since 2007.
TTF said that monthly timber imports rarely exceed 1 million cubic meters, but this barrier has been broken five times in the past nine months, which is more attributable to the impact of Brexit stocks.
Imports in the second quarter of 2021 are generally 60% higher than the same period in 2020-this is the most severely affected month of the first lockdown.
Changes in supplying country
In the first half of 2021, the export volume of the four major cork suppliers exceeded 1 million cubic meters.
Sweden, Finland and Latvia each increased by 300,000 m3, while the growth rate of "smaller" exporting countries such as Lithuania and Austria also exceeded 200%.
David Hopkins, CEO of the Timber Trade Federation (TTF) said: “As people invest in housing construction, the timber industry has experienced an unprecedented period of strong demand, which is driven by the recovery of the construction industry...
"The supply chain has been struggling to meet this additional demand. According to industry forecasts, this demand is expected to continue in the short to medium term. Although it may be alleviated as the pandemic restrictions fade, it is seeking rapid decarbonization. In the construction industry, demand for wood is likely to remain strong."
"Builders are helping to transform our built environment into a low-carbon model. The timber industry has a great opportunity to grow into the backbone of the UK's low-carbon economy."
The shortage of timber at British construction sites is well documented, but imports of these materials are running at record levels.
"But the main factor hindering this growth will come from other factors, especially the labor shortage in the entire supply chain from logistics to skilled on-site labor. CBI warns that it may take at least two years to stabilize."
