TIMBER import volumes across all categories were higher in July 2023 compared to the same period last year. 

The five per cent rise follows initial growth in June, where total volumes were up 2.2 per cent compared to 2022.

According to new data compiled by Timber Development UK (TDUK), OSB and MDF were core drivers of this steady increase, with volumes up 32 per cent and 7 per cent respectively. 

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Though overall 2023 levels remain below last year, the deficit in import volume continues to reduce, down to 5 per cent in January to July compared to 7 per cent in January to June. 

This biggest yearly gap is seen in the hardwood category, down 24 per cent on last year. This, however, is largely due to the record totals seen in 2022.

TDUK head of technical and trade, Nick Boulton, said: “Timber imports have remained steady in 2023, with the market recovering from the dramatic peaks and troughs seen over the last few years. 

“There is room for positivity in the long term, with timber demand predicted to increase given the urgent need to decarbonise our built environment."

Elsewhere, TDUK has just published the first set of its huge new library of Timber Knowledge Sheets – with more than 50 now available for download.

The new knowledge sheets introduce and answer common questions about every aspect of working with wood, from the difference between hardwood and softwood, through to acoustic regulations, Eurocode 5 principles, embodied carbon, and sourcing timber sustainably.

Developed with experts from Edinburgh Napier University, and TDUK’s membership network of supply, manufacture and design professionals, these knowledge sheets are the first batch of a planned 140 to help support the industry to build better with wood.

TDUK chief executive, David Hopkins, said: “Amidst a climate emergency, changing how we build is crucial – as it represents a major portion of our carbon footprint. The material and design choices we make today will shape the future we have tomorrow.

“Timber is an existing, proven solution to how we construct a low-carbon future, with independent studies showing that methods such as timber frame have up to 20 per cent lower embodied carbon than traditional masonry.

“Fundamentally, trees absorb carbon, and when turned into long term construction products, can store it for decades if not millennia. Most other materials you find on building sites do the exact opposite – spewing tonnes of carbon into the atmosphere."

While most Timber Knowledge Sheets are for TDUK members only, anyone can access and download Timber Sizes & Tolerances, Timber and Embodied Carbon, or Construction Site Timber Best Practice with a free user account (register here)

To get started on your new timber journey, visit www.timberdevelopment.uk