TIMBER was nearly "cleared off the shelves" in 2021 as demand reached "unprecedented" levels. 

That's according to Timber Development UK's Market Statement, which also found last year's import volumes soared to record highs, despite significant disruptions to the market.

A total of 11.7 million m3 of timber was brought into the country – a 15 per cent increase on 2020. This is the largest volume of imports seen in the UK since 2008, reflecting strong demand for timber products.

However, the statement, published today, warned Russia's invasion of Ukraine is likely to have "significant effects" on supply in the coming months. 

READ MORE: Timber Development UK's Market Statement: Russia's invasion of Ukraine set to place greater pressure on supplies

Nick Boulton, Timber Development UK head of technical and trade policy, said: “This market statement provides clarity on what was a truly remarkable year for our industry, as well as what we can expect in 2022.

“Reflecting on 2021, for the first time in my memory we saw timber nearly cleared off the shelves of all merchants.

Forestry Journal:

“A strong RM&I sector, a resurgent housing market and a construction industry looking to rapidly decarbonise led to unprecedented demand for timber in the UK.

“This all put significant pressure on price over the course of 2021, taking some specific products like structural softwood, OSB and US hardwoods to unprecedented levels."

According to the statement, an average of nearly one million m3 of timber and panel products were imported into the UK per month in 2021.

Prior to the current wave of high import volumes – which began in the latter half of 2020 – breaking one million m3 had been a relatively rare occasion. In the four years before October 2020, this barrier had been broken just once – in January 2019 as a result of Brexit stockpiling.

READ MORE: Record levels of timber imported into the UK during 2021, according to TTF

Hardwoods saw the largest increase in demand, rising by 26 per cent on 2020, while softwoods (21.2 per cent) and plywoods (13.1 per cent) also recorded significant growth. 

Forestry Journal: Russia's illegal invasion of Ukraine is likely to have a significant affect on prices Russia's illegal invasion of Ukraine is likely to have a significant affect on prices

Nick added: “Despite these challenges, the past year has shown the strength and resilience of the timber supply chain which ensured material needs were met through record imports in 2021." 

Read the full report here