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Above left: Contributors to the UNECE COFFI meeting estimated that UK softwood imports would reach around 5.5 million m3 Above right: UK trade bodies have been preparing for a push on post-election lobbying to highlight the benefits of building with wood
this year
softwood imports of 5.5-6 million m3
. That
import figure includes all softwood, not just structural wood, so there is even less accuracy in separating the actual consumption of carcassing volumes. There is a strong I-beam manufacturing industry in the UK, and by combining the growth in that production and its imported counterparts it would be possible to get a more accurate indication of the ongoing demand for solid structural wood. Within the imported softwood figures also lie roofing battens, produced to comply with BS5534 A1:210, a product that has drawn a great deal of scrutiny. Historically speaking, roofing battens were normally supplied from quality-assessed boards such as sawfalling excluding sixth, but now battens require piece-by-piece examination, with each length stamped to comply with the standard. The criteria used for assessment is modelled on an adaptation of BS4978 methodology taking into account defects such as knot ratios, slope of grain, moisture content and, critically, the minimum dimensions. Treatment is usually low-pressure clear chemical with added colourants to distinguish the battens from standard sawn productions, which are usually green high pressure treated and used for other applications.
It is a legal requirement that producers, importers and distributors ensure that the battens are full to size at the control level of 20% mc. It is also necessary for producers to provide third party certification, together with a declaration of performance for production procedures. The main problem experienced by importers is undersize on the thickness, which makes the battens non-compliant with the grading rules, and therefore non-compliant with building regulations. Taking an overall view of the imported softwood sector, contributors to the UNECE COFFI at the last meeting in November 2023
estimated that UK softwood imports would reach around 5.5 million m3
The 2023 figure actually exceeded the COFFI projections of 5,385,000m3 337,000m3
by
, which shows that the industry came through with a stronger result than anticipated, but it also illustrates how difficult it is to forecast the volume of imports, let alone any specific product categories such as C24 or TR26.
(65%) of UK imports. The UK’s share of global Swedish softwood exports totalled approximately 21% and made up 29% of Latvian exports. Finland was the third largest supplier with a 14% share at 801,000m3
Finnish softwood exports.
CURRENCY EXCHANGE RATES The outlook for the remainder of 2024 remains uncertain. With the change of UK Government, the trade will be closely monitoring interest rates and the possibility of more accessible mortgages, while importers will be watching the extra effect of any volatility in currency exchange rates. In Q4 last year, sterling was trading at a low point of €1.144/£1 and after a jagged trajectory reached a high in June 2024 of €1.189, settling at just over €1.18 in early July. This 4% fluctuation was significant in terms of the imported price of Baltic
In terms of supply, Sweden continues to lead the trend as the largest supplier to the UK this year with a share of more than 50% in January-April, while Latvia as the second largest had a market share of around 17% over the same period (figures TDUK). For the whole of 2023, Sweden shipped around 2.918 million m3 801,000m3 million m3
and Latvia , for a combined total of 3.719
available so far show that imports are likely to be below last year’s total of 5,722,000m3
this year. Trends .
carcassing, and the mills’ abilities to compete against countries selling in other currencies. Over the same time frame, the Swedish kronor rose from SEK12.699/£1 to a peak of SEK13.7634 and was recorded at SEK13.38 in early July, a fluctuation of more than 8%. Sterling has strengthened at a stronger rate against the Swedish currency, enabling Swedish exporters to gain a more competitive edge when selling into the UK. By adding the currency advantage to an actual cut in the Swedish price, it can be seen how difficult it is for the Baltic mills to sell against the Scandinavian competitors.
, representing just over 10% of total
The future of softwood is tied to its well- established environmental credentials in construction, and the trade bodies of the UK have been preparing for a push on post- election lobbying to highlight wood as the answer to achieving low carbon emissions. In a manifesto circulated by the Confederation of Timber Industries, which includes Timber Development UK, the Structural Timber Association, the Wood Protection Association and the Trussed Rafter Association, the benefits of using wood are laid out in a widely researched publication, which is designed to highlight the benefits of building with wood as the best way to achieve strong, energy efficient low carbon structures. A TDUK publication alert was distributed to members on July 3 with guidance on how to promote the industry to government, councils, planners and designers.
This comes at a crucial time, when political parties agree that a modern and efficient housing programme is needed to keep pace with demand. This is an unprecedented opportunity for the industry to galvanise itself into promoting timber and wood-based products as the key to providing the low- carbon, energy-saving homes that the UK so desperately needs. ■
www.ttjonline.com | July/August 2024 | TTJ
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