UK — Timber imports rallied in 2023 to finish just 2% down on the previous 12 months, according to the latest TDUK statistics. Despite the challenging end to 2023 seen across the construction sector, timber import volumes for the year were actually higher in three of the six product groups, with softwood imports in 2023 just outperforming the volumes seen in 2022 with growth of 0.8%. Overall, the volume of the main imported timber and panel products ended 2023 a little lower than in 2022, down by 2.2% on the previous 12 months. …After a slow start, softwood imports gained impetus in the second half, to end the year 1% higher. Hardwood, plywood, particleboard and engineered wood products imports were all lower in 2023, but OSB import volumes were significantly higher (up 19.4%) and MDF volumes, too, were 2.2% higher than in 2022.