Imports of timber into the UK have fallen to their lowest levels in more than a decade. That is according to Timber Development UK (TDUK), which recorded total imports of 9.1 million cubic metres in 2025 — a 2.2 per cent decline on the previous year. It comes amid growing concern that Russian birch plywood may be entering the UK market via third countries, with TDUK Head of Technical and Trade Policy Nick Boulton warning members to scrutinise supply chains carefully.
Boulton raised the prospect that EU anti-dumping measures on Chinese hardwood plywood had redirected volumes toward the UK — and that some of the increase could mask sanctioned Russian product. “We would urge our members and the wider industry to use all caution and take advantage of TDUK due diligence and responsible sourcing policy resources to make sure the timbers they purchase comply with all relevant EU and UK regulations,” he said.
Hardwood plywood imports rose 7.1 per cent. Total plywood volumes climbed 10.1 per cent to 1.32 million cubic metres — driven by stronger shipments from China, Malaysia and Brazil.
The broader picture was much weaker.
Demand has remained subdued for four consecutive years, and softwood — which accounts for around 61 per cent of all UK timber imports — fell four per cent to 5.55 million cubic metres. Sweden, Germany and the Irish Republic all shipped less. Latvia and Finland picked up some of the slack. Average softwood prices still rose, reaching £289 per cubic metre against £256 in 2024.
Hardwood came in at 431,000 cubic metres. Tropical species were down 9.7 per cent. Mixed hardwoods moved the other way, rising ten per cent to 115,000 cubic metres, with Cameroon holding its position as the dominant source of tropical supply. Particleboard had a strong year, climbing 10.1 per cent to 637,000 cubic metres. MDF did not — volumes dropped 23 per cent to 544,000 cubic metres. Engineered wood was similarly split. Laminated veneer lumber and I-beams both grew solidly, while cross-laminated timber fell 23.6 per cent.
Boulton said the headline figure obscured a more complicated picture: “Much of the reduction in overall volume was driven by lower softwood and MDF imports, while several other product categories recorded strong growth during the year.”
The housing and construction sectors remain the key variable. Forecasters expect softwood volumes to recover around 3.7 per cent in 2026 — but that recovery depends on confidence returning to a market that has been flat for the better part of four years.
