UK Timber Imports Rise for the First Time in Four Years

Timber Development UK recently conducted an analysis, the results of which were quite encouraging. According to the company’s report, timber imports in March 2025 increased by 13%, while overall growth for Q1 2025 amounted to 0.6%. Interestingly, this growth follows over four years of market decline, including a 9% drop in February 2025. But what has caused this market turnaround, and how will it develop in the future?

The main source: Timber imports rise for first time in four years

What Are the Reasons for the Growth?

According to experts, timber imports grow due to rising market demand, stabilization behind previous crises, and confidence in accelerating construction rates in the future. Even the rising cost of timber does not appear to be an obstacle. Specifically:

Softwood imports rose by 2%, while their cost increased by 12%;
Pine products imports jumped by 32%, with a 9% price increase;
Plywood imports grew by 25%, and the price increased by 34%.

Prices also rose for softwood species (on average by 16%) and sequoia (by 37%). The major supplier of timber has been Swedish woodworking enterprises, though imports from other countries are also involved.

How Will the UK Timber Market Develop in the Near Future?

In the future, experts forecast that demand for building wood will continue to grow. Among the reasons are: increased construction volumes, strong market demand, and supportive government policy.

TDUK head of technical and trade, Nick Boulton, said: “Softwood imports have historically mirrored housing output, and with growth forecast across new build and RMI through to 2027, demand for timber looks set to rise. There’s cautious optimism in the air – although, for some in the sector, recovery still can’t come quickly enough.”

Fencyx, as one of the leaders in the UK building industry, is pleased that demand for timber in the UK is beginning to grow. This means that the economy continues to function, and citizens will benefit from new jobs and developed infrastructure.