Total UK import volumes of softwood, hardwood, plywood, chipboard, OSB and MDF were 17% down in 2009, according to the latest Timber Trade Federation statistics bulletin.

The statistics, compiled by Nick Moore of Timbertrends, show 7.5 million m³ was imported (2008: 9.1 million m³).

Volumes were marginally lower in the second half than over the same period in 2008, while the final quarter saw an 8% increase.

Sweden strengthened its position as the largest softwood supplier to the UK, growing its market share from 44% in 2008 to 54% last year. Finland’s market share dropped two percentage points to 14%, while Germany’s fell from 9% to 6%.

Latvia achieved a 0.3% growth to 10.2%, with Ireland’s slice of the market improving from 5% to 6%,

Total softwood volumes were down 12.8% to 4.78 million m³ (2008: 5.48 million m³).

Hardwood volumes reduced by 7.7% to 368,000m³, with France and Italy increasing their UK shipments. But the US remains the largest hardwood supplier with 23% of the market.

Panel product imports fell by 26% for the year.