The latest stats from Timber Development UK show the market bounced back after a sluggish start to the year.

January saw volumes dip 1%, followed by a 9% slide in February, but a 13% surge in March turned the quarter positive.

Softwood was the star performer, with imports climbing nearly 2% and value up 12% on the back of stronger prices.

Sawn pine led the charge with volumes up 32%, largely thanks to Swedish mills, while planed softwood prices rose 9% and sawn softwood values jumped 16%. Redwoods posted a 37% price spike.

Plywood imports also picked up, with softwood volumes jumping 25% and values up 34%.

TDUK head of technical and trade Nick Boulton said: “Softwood imports have historically mirrored housing output, and with growth forecast across new build and RMI through to 2027, demand for timber looks set to rise.

“There’s cautious optimism in the air – although for some in the sector, recovery still can’t come quickly enough.”