The timber industry has faced some serious challenges during 2020 and 2021 but we’re pleased to report that the situation is back on track, and the future is looking good. The Harlestone team is confident that the worst is over and we’re emerging even stronger.

“It has been tough, but thanks to decades of experience and supply chain relationships, plus new systems and insights, we’re ready to supply the best quality products when you need them,” says Harlestone Group managing director, Silas Wilde.

“There have been a lot of changes, but these challenges have been good for the industry and for our team, driving us all to improve supply chain management, ordering and stock control. We have a large timber yard and excellent stock levels, and most importantly we have adapted and developed more agile operations that are ready for the future.”

Looking back: turbulent times

Timber shortages and rising prices were a shock to the system, especially coupled with the stress of the pandemic and its global economic impact. Then on top of that, the timber world faced supply chain upheaval due to Brexit and the shortage of lorry drivers! Many called it a perfect storm.

Timber supplies around the world were affected by the pandemic with increased demand and limited production and supply. Fires in North America over the summer also took a large chunk from the international equation, which affected UK supply chains. Around 80% of the UK’s timber is imported, and while Government has committed to “trebling tree planting rates” this will take time to have an impact on the market.

Supply and Demand

Now that we’re through the worst, it’s clear that the UK imported far more timber in 2020 and 2021 than it had done in 2019.

Supplies were unusually high at the start of 2020 thanks to the industry preparing for Brexit, which meant prices were lower and availability was better than it had been in many years. As a result, when COVID-19 limited production and transport, along with an unexpected boom in demand, changes in pricing and stock levels were even more pronounced.

A large chunk of the increased demand was due to lockdown and working from home – we all had loads of time on our hands to tackle those DIY and home improvement projects! Then larger scale construction grew too, taking advantage of the lull in activity to get things done without disrupting daily life.

The Timber Trade Federation (TTF) reports that: “More than seven million m³ of timber and panel products were imported by the UK between January and July 2021… This is nearly two million m³ above the same period in 2020, and half a million m³ above 2019 levels – the UKs last ‘regular year’ before COVID-19 – which is about an 8% increase.”

Light at the end of the tunnel

Q3 of 2021 saw the worst of the shortages and the highest prices, which was just what TTF and industry partners had predicted earlier in the year, but all parties are a lot more confident now. TTF said in October 2021 that supply is catching up with demand and they expect greater stability, and we’re definitely seeing that here at Harlestone too.

As TTF head of Technical and Trade, Nick Boulton said in a recent press release, “After a year of record production and nine months of near record structural softwood imports it is highly likely the UK is at a point where there is sufficient volume of wood at UK ports and in the UK timber supply chain to satisfy construction demand.”

Supply Chain Improvements

A digital revamp has been on the horizon for some time now, but the pandemic has accelerated that shift for many different industries, and this is taking timber and building supplies into an exciting new era.

Timber Exchange, a supply chain automation platform for the timber industry, highlighted in July that recent challenges have opened up fantastic new opportunities for the market, making supply chains more efficient so they’re able to respond quicker to changes in demand, availability, and other market conditions.

Here at Harlestone Group, we’re keeping a close watch on all these developments and we’ll continue to work closely with our suppliers to adapt and bring in the most effective systems.

We’re analysing data to better understand the needs of our customers and the market as a whole, so we can work together and supply you with all the timber you need – when you need it, and at the most competitive prices.

Harlestone Projects has a professional joinery team on hand to offer advice on your next major woodworking project – from concept and design to installation and timely delivery of the completed project.

If you have any questions about timber availability or what’s best for your project, get in touch with our expert team on 01604 586 000 and we’ll be happy to help.