Timber and panel products experienced an expected decline in import volumes in December 2021, according to the latest Timber Trade Federation (TTF) statistics.

As the UK entered the festive period, the volume of imported timber and panel products declined by 231,000m³ from November to December 2021.

Despite these declines, 2021 was a record year with 11.7 million m³ of timber imported to the UK – the highest yearly total since 2007.

The significant volumes seen in 2021 were largely due to extraordinary market activity in the first three quarters, with Q4 witnessing a more regular winter decline.

Softwood imports experienced the most dramatic decline, with volumes dropping from 478,000m³ in November to 301,000m³ in December.

Volume reductions were seen across nearly all product categories, from hardwood to OSB.