Timber imports into the United Kingdom declined to their lowest level in more than ten years during 2025. The data was reported by Timber Development UK (TDUK), the industry body representing the national timber supply chain.
According to the organisation’s latest market review, total timber imports reached 9.1 million cubic metres in 2025. This figure represented a 2.2 per cent decrease compared with the previous year. The decline reflects continued weakness in demand across key sectors, particularly housing and construction.
Although several product categories showed growth, the broader market remained subdued. Timber demand in the United Kingdom has now remained relatively flat for four consecutive years.
Supply Chain Concerns Raised Over Plywood Imports
Alongside the latest import figures, concerns were raised about the origin of certain plywood shipments entering the UK market. These concerns were highlighted by Nick Boulton, Head of Technical and Trade Policy at Timber Development UK.
Boulton advised industry members to exercise caution when sourcing timber products. Particular attention was directed toward supply chain transparency and regulatory compliance.
The warning relates to the possibility that Russian birch plywood could be entering Western markets indirectly. Following sanctions imposed after the war in Ukraine, direct imports of Russian timber products have been restricted across many regions.
There is concern that some products may be routed through third countries before reaching European or UK markets.
The industry has therefore been encouraged to undertake careful due diligence. Companies are being urged to ensure their purchases comply fully with UK and EU regulations.
EU Trade Measures May Influence UK Imports
Another factor potentially affecting the UK timber market involves trade measures within the European Union. Anti-dumping tariffs imposed by the EU on Chinese hardwood plywood may have altered international trade flows.
Some analysts suggest that shipments originally destined for European markets could be redirected toward the UK instead.
Boulton indicated that this shift might partly explain the recent rise in plywood imports. However, he emphasised that the origin of these products must be carefully verified.
Ensuring responsible sourcing remains a priority for the industry.
Plywood Imports Show Strong Growth
Despite the overall decline in timber imports, plywood volumes increased during 2025. Hardwood plywood imports rose by 7.1 per cent compared with the previous year.
Total plywood imports reached 1.32 million cubic metres, representing a 10.1 per cent increase overall. This growth was largely driven by shipments from several international suppliers.
Key exporting countries included China, Malaysia and Brazil. These nations supplied larger volumes of plywood to the UK market during the year.
The increase in plywood imports contrasted sharply with declines recorded in other timber product categories.
Softwood Imports Continue to Decline
Softwood remains the dominant component of the UK timber market. The material accounts for approximately 61 per cent of total timber imports.
However, softwood imports declined by four per cent during 2025. Total volumes reached 5.55 million cubic metres, reflecting reduced demand across the construction sector.
Several traditional suppliers exported smaller volumes to the UK. Shipments from Sweden, Germany and the Ireland all decreased.
Other suppliers partially offset these declines. Imports from Latvia and Finland increased during the same period.
Interestingly, average prices for softwood continued to rise. The average import price reached £289 per cubic metre, compared with £256 in 2024.
Mixed Performance Across Wood Product Categories
Other timber products recorded mixed results across the market. Hardwood imports reached 431,000 cubic metres in total.
Tropical hardwood volumes declined significantly. Imports of tropical species fell by 9.7 per cent during the year.
In contrast, mixed hardwood products recorded moderate growth. Volumes increased by 10 per cent, reaching approximately 115,000 cubic metres.
Among tropical timber suppliers, Cameroon remained the dominant source of imports to the UK.
Engineered wood products also produced varied outcomes. Particleboard imports performed strongly, rising 10.1 per cent to reach 637,000 cubic metres.
Medium-density fibreboard (MDF) experienced a sharp decline. Imports fell by 23 per cent, dropping to 544,000 cubic metres.
Diverging Trends in Engineered Timber Products
Performance within the engineered wood category was uneven. Laminated veneer lumber and timber I-beams both recorded steady growth during the year.
These products are often used in structural applications within construction projects.
Cross-laminated timber (CLT), however, moved in the opposite direction. Imports of CLT declined by 23.6 per cent.
This decline may reflect shifting construction activity levels and project pipelines across the UK building sector.
Construction Sector Holds the Key to Recovery
Industry analysts believe that the future trajectory of timber imports will largely depend on the health of the housing and construction markets.
Residential development remains the largest driver of timber demand in the United Kingdom. When construction slows, timber consumption typically declines.
According to forecasts from Timber Development UK, softwood imports could recover in the coming years. A 3.7 per cent increase in softwood volumes is projected for 2026.
However, that recovery is not guaranteed. Market confidence remains fragile after several years of limited growth.
For now, the UK timber sector continues to navigate a complex environment. Demand remains stable but subdued. Trade flows are shifting.
Supply chain transparency has also become increasingly important. The industry is therefore expected to maintain strong scrutiny of sourcing practices in the months ahead.