Summer slowdown hits UK softwood prices and demand

After a busy first five months, the UK softwood sector faced an unexpected slowdown in June, leaving merchants and importers grappling with uncertain trading conditions. Demand stalled abruptly following comparatively buoyant months in April and May and continued on a downward trajectory through July and August. The change sent waves of disappointment along the supply chain, from merchants back to sawmills, denting confidence in the market and pushing import prices into a downward spiral. The weakening prices were initially driven by a few bulk sellers seeking to reduce inventories and convert stock into cash, but others soon followed ...