British imports of sawn and planed lumber have increased in value by 35% or almost EUR 145 million in the first five months of 2015, according to the latest figures provided by Eurostat.
Imports from the European Union countries, which represent more than 90% of all UK softwood lumber purchases, also grew by 35% (up to EUR 509,1 million) as compared to the first five months of 2014. Notably those from Sweden (+29%), Latvia (+47%) and Finland (+43%), the first three main UK suppliers.
Also imports from North America grew by 18%, although at insignificant levels compared to those from the European countries.
In terms of market shares, Sweden remains by far the largest softwood lumber supplier for the UK. In January-May 2015, Sweden delivered 46% of all British imports, followed by Finland (15%), Latvia (14%) and Ireland (5%).
Softwood Lumber imported by United Kingdom from... (in EUR ) |
2014 |
2015 |
Change in % |
|
378,446,910 |
509,165,825 |
35 % |
|
199,277,500 |
257,905,416 |
29 % |
|
58,980,570 |
84,471,170 |
43 % |
|
55,083,701 |
80,878,080 |
47 % |
|
24,909,750 |
29,422,560 |
18 % |
|
18,610,980 |
24,510,600 |
32 % |
|
21,584,410 |
31,978,000 |
48 % |
|
23,922,590 |
35,388,900 |
48 % |
|
20,634,990 |
31,009,761 |
50 % |
|
3,235,970 |
4,323,330 |
34 % |
|
36,370 |
32,380 |
-11 % |
|
15,260 |
21,880 |
43 % |
|
- |
1,550 |
% |
|
11,851,290 |
13,959,090 |
18 % |
|
10,110,190 |
12,085,640 |
20 % |
|
1,741,100 |
1,873,450 |
8 % |
|
312,110 |
520,160 |
67 % |
|
241,890 |
520,160 |
115 % |
|
30,520 |
- |
-100 % |
|
20,070 |
- |
-100 % |
|
19,630 |
- |
-100 % |
Total |
415,156,300 |
559,741,416 |
35% |