The UK’s reliance on imported timber should be treated as a matter of national security, a new report unveiled in the House of Commons has warned.
The report, ‘Timber: An Issue of National Security and Economic Resilience’, published by Confor, argues that depending on imports for more than 80 per cent of the timber used in the UK leaves the country exposed to global supply disruptions, geopolitical tensions and rising costs.
It makes the case for recognising timber as a strategic resource—on par with food and energy security—and urges the government to take coordinated steps to boost domestic production and strengthen the UK’s forestry and wood processing supply chain.
Ben Lake MP, chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Forestry and Timber Security, said: “Timber is not just a rural or environmental issue. It is a strategic material that underpins housing, infrastructure and economic resilience across the UK. At a time when the UK imports more than 80 per cent of the timber we use, it is right that Parliament and government begin treating timber supply as a national resilience issue. Strengthening domestic forestry and wood processing capacity will help protect supply chains, support rural economies and ensure the UK is better prepared for future global shocks. Global demand for timber is rising rapidly as countries shift towards low-carbon construction materials and more sustainable building systems. If the UK is serious about housing delivery, combating climate change, and supply chain resilience, we must ensure we are growing and processing more of this strategic material at home.”
The report also points out that global demand for timber is set to climb significantly as countries move towards low-carbon building materials. At the same time, climate pressures, pests and rising domestic demand are limiting export capacity in many of the UK’s traditional supplier countries.
