Latest BMBI Figures Show Q2 2025 Timber Sales Rise

The latest figures from the Builders Merchants Building Index (BMBI) show total value sales for Q2 2025 were up +2.8% compared to Q2 2024. Volume sales were up +4.0% year-on-year, while prices came down -1.1%. With one less trading day this year, like-for-like value sales were +4.5% higher.

Nine of the twelve categories sold more by value in Q2 2025 compared to Q2 2024, with value sales for Renewables & Water Saving (+13.0%) increasing most. Timber & Joinery Products (+3.7%) performed better than Total Builders Merchants.

Builders’ merchants’ value sales for Q2 2025 were +11.7% higher than Q1 2025. Volume sales saw a double-digit increase (+13.9%) while prices were down -2.0%. By value, nine of the twelve categories sold more with seasonal category Landscaping (+46.8%) well ahead. Timber & Joinery Products (+11.0%) recorded strong value sales growth. With two less trading days, like-for-like value sales for Q2 were +15.3% up on Q1.

James Davenport, Managing Director of Metsä Wood UK, was recently appointed as BMBI Expert’s for Softwoods and Engineered Timber. Commenting on the latest BMBI figures, James said: “A warm, sunny Spring and late Easter bank holidays supported strong demand for timber landscaping products, especially in the DIY sector.

“Demand for machined timber products, while showing signs of improvement at the beginning of the year, were subdued compared to landscaping products as people prioritised outdoor spaces for improvement and renovation.

“After a reasonable start to 2025, demand for timber I-Joists and Kerto LVL eased in the second quarter as private housebuilding struggled to gain momentum.

“Imports of softwood from the main joinery grade producing countries (Sweden, Finland) are down year-on-year, and lack of demand is putting pressure on sawmills to find alternative markets. Log costs in the Nordic regions continued to rise in Q2, and sawmills are looking to further increase prices.

“Global uncertainty around the imposition of US tariffs on major timber exporting countries casts a long shadow. The impacts on global trade flows and prices could be significant.”

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