Timber Development UK

Softwood import volumes remained marginally ahead of the same period last year during the first quarter of 2026, despite continued pressure across parts of the UK timber and panel products market, according to the latest Timber Development UK market statistics.

The combined import volumes of the main timber and panel products fell by 1.3% in Q1 2026 compared with Q1 2025, with some categories performing strongly while others recorded significant declines.

The report also notes that Q1 trading was largely unaffected by the disruption linked to conflict in the Middle East. The impacts on shipping and supply chains will only become clearer as the year progresses, but it is expected higher fuel costs and delayed shipments from the far east are the most likely.

Softwood imports rose by 0.9% in Q1, with volumes reaching 1.412 million m³. The value of softwood imports increased by 4.2%, driven by higher average prices and growth in sawn softwood imports.

Hardwood imports remained largely stable, rising by just 0.2% compared with Q1 2025. Tropical hardwood volumes were similarly unchanged overall, although the origin of those imports shifted during the quarter, with stronger volumes arriving from Spain and Cameroon.

👉 Read our full report at: https://timberdevelopment.uk/softwood-imports-remain-resilient-despite-mixed-q1-market-performance/

The Wood Awards celebrate the very best in timber design, from groundbreaking buildings to beautifully crafted furniture 🌿

What sets the Awards apart is its unrivalled judging process. Across two expert panels, architects, engineers, designers and makers are judged by their peers, bringing integrity and insight to every decision.

Meet the 2026 Judges

🏗️ Building Awards
Led by Jim Greaves (Hopkins Architects), with experts across architecture, engineering, design and journalism, the panel visit each shortlisted project in person.

🔸 Kirsten Haggart (Waugh Thistleton Architects)
🔹 Andrew Lawrence (Arup)
🔸 Sasha Bhavan (Knox Bhavan Architects)
🔹 Nathan Wheatley (Engenuiti)
🔸 Jonas Lencer (dRMM)
🔹 Ruth Slavid (Architectural Journalist)
🔸 David Morley (David Morley Architects)
🔹 Andrew Trotman (Timberwright)
🔸 Dr Neil Smith (Max Fordham)

 

🪑 Furniture & Object Awards
Led by Sebastian Cox, with leading designers, makers, curators and critics. Each piece is assessed in person - considering craftsmanship, innovation and material excellence.

🔸 Sophie Sellu (Grain & Knot)
🔹 Hugo Macdonald (Critic & Curator)
🔸 Caroline Till (FranklinTill)
🔹 Henry Tadros (Ercol Furniture)
🔸 Johanna Agerman Ross (Design Museum)

From emerging makers to established practices, the Awards champion talent at every level.

Entries close 22 May 2026.
Enter now via link in bio.



Photo credits:
Pebble Jumble
Designer: Lore Group Design Team / Jan Hendzel Studio
Photographer: Fergus Coyle

Amento
Architect: James Gorst Architects
Photographer: James Retief

Timber Development UK is pleased to be supporting the Trussed Rafter Association today at their annual AGM and Members’ Day in Solihull.

The theme of the day is ‘Survive to Thrive’, with a series of speakers and workshops looking at how the trussed rafter sector can work together to grow and promote best practice despite the challenging market.

The keynote speaker today is Chris Maityard from Moorgate Management Limited, who brought with him his years of experience in running businesses right across the sector.

Chris brought “realism and positivity” to the room, exploring the challenges that currently face the trussed rafter sector and how TRA members – and every business in the built environment sector – can protect their business and get into the best possible shape to help them reach the upturn in the new housing cycle, whenever it may come.

He explored the most common strategic, operational and financial issues that businesses face, and offered practical advice on how to guard against them, from implementing a 13-week cash flow, to checking that your ERP system is fit for purpose, and making sure the people within your business are empowered to make decisions.

🪵 In an article from our latest issue of Supplying Timber magazine, Robin Nicholson from Buckland Timber - a Grown in Britain certificate holder - shares his thoughts on homegrown C16 and how there’s more scope for using UK-grown timber in our construction projects than you might think. 🪵

Despite the availability of quality, sustainable, homegrown alternatives, approximately 80% of the timber used in the UK is still imported.

Across the supply chain – from timber merchants and sawmillers to manufacturers and construction firms – there’s growing recognition that local timber sources here in the UK can deliver tangible benefits. These include reduced carbon footprints, lower costs, more secure supply chains, and meeting the increasing customer demand for sustainable products.

👉 Read more at our website:

UK timber in construction : Timber Development UK Robin Nicholson from Buckland Timber, a Grown in Britain certificate holder, shares his thoughts on homegrown C16 and how there's more scope for using UK-grown timber than you might think.