In January 2023, softwood imports in the country grew b 12% to 426,000 m³, from the Republic of Ireland, Sweden, and Finland.
Despite increased lumber imports, overall lumber imports were down 8.7% compared to January 2022 due to drops in panel product imports.
However, the construction activity is expected to return as Department for Business and Trade saw elevated RM&U work at the start of 2023. The annual import volumes reached 100,000 m³ higher on average than in 2013.