Imports of softwood and hardwood grew by nearly 13% in the first quarter, according to The Timber Trade Federation’s (TTF) latest timber statistics.

The TTF’s statistics, compiled by timbertrends, show that timber and panel product imports were higher for the third consecutive month compared to the same period in 2009. Growth for all imports during March was up 19%.

Chipboard was the only product to show a reduction, with import volumes shrinking by 5%. OSB saw the greatest growth, with imports up 43% on a year ago.

The TTF said the statistics appeared to confirm that a recovery was under way.