Reasonably strong U.S. demand, the strength of the dollar relative to sterling, and high freight costs, have meant that U.S. sawn softwood lumber has been generally uncompetitive on price in the UK market. UK imports of U.S. softwood sawn lumber should continue at relatively low levels of around 55,000 m3 in 2000. UK domestic panel products has seen significant inward investment over the last 5 years. The UK market for MDF, OSB, and particleboard is now almost wholly satisfied by domestic production. UK markets for panel products have experienced over-supply and price weakness during 2000.
Plywood remains the only panel product imported in any volume.
Overall imports of plywood into the UK have been relatively high in 2000 reaching around 1.14 million m3 compared to 1.07 million m3 in 1999. There has been particularly strong growth in UK imports of Brazilian elliotti pine plywood. Unfavorable exchange rates and relatively high prices for U.S. plywood mean that UK imports have continued at relatively low levels this year around 50,000 m3. Nevertheless, APA Engineered Wood Products campaign to raise UK market appreciation of the high quality standards of U.S. softwood plywood is having some impact on demand. Enter a company name or a portion of the name.