Rebound in UK tropical wood imports continued in September but prospects less certain

UK imports of tropical wood and wood furniture products continued to rebound in September, with total value rising to USD97.6 million, 30% more than the previous month and the same level as in September 2019.

UK imports strengthened significantly in the third quarter, in line with the recovery in the broader economy and in construction activity and the housing market as lockdown measures eased during the period.

Prospects for the final quarter of the year are less certain, with signs that the economic recovery is losing momentum and the reintroduction of lockdown measures nationwide in England from 5 November, due to last for at least four weeks, in response to a sharp rise in COVID-19 cases.