Friday, January 13, 2023
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Timber Development UK recently published a report that suggests that 2022 saw a substantial change in timber trading patterns, with significant volumes coming from China, Latvia, and the Republic of Ireland (ROI) to the UK. In 2022, imports of softwood from the ROI rose by 48 percent, surpassing German and Russian shipments. This occured in spite of low overall softwood levels, with imports falling by 28% in October 2022 compared to 2021. The patterns of hardwood importation also altered, with Latvia overtaking the USA as the main source nation. In 2022, imports of hardwood grew 15% overall; 22% came from Latvia and 16% from the USA. With a supply of 68% hardwood plywood and 20% softwood plywood, China has established itself as a major supplier in the plywood market.
The first ten months of 2022 were fascinating, with usual import patterns evolving as the year went on, TDUK Head of Technical and Trade, Nick Boulton, commented on the matter. In contrast to the normally modest amounts of softwood, Irish imports have stood out, with Irish spruce proving to be a practical choice for many merchants. With volumes increasing across the board, the hardwood trade has outperformed all other wood sectors in the first ten months of 2022.
He went on to say that the pallet and packaging industries are largely responsible for the surge in demand for Latvian hardwoods, which are replacing commonly used softwood with these less expensive, more temperate species. Increased South American freight costs earlier in the year and Russian sanctions beginning in March 2022 are the main causes of the rising Chinese volumes in the plywood sector, while there are other factors as well.
“These varying trade patterns highlight the resilience and adaptability of the timber trade, with alternative sources being found to satisfy demand at the most cost-effective market rate,” Boulton concludes.
Tags: TDUK, Timber Development UK, timber import, UK, wood, wood and panel, woodworking, woodworking and manufacturing, woodworking event, woodworking industry, woodworking UK
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