Industry Statistics - archive
Statistical data sources
Apparent consumption is a figure that is derived from production, plus imports less export. Real consumption also uses these parameters but includes stock levels. The only source of import and export statistics is that collected by customs authorities. It is widely known that the base data reported does have significant flaws in it. For example the only legal requirement in the UK is to report the value of goods moving in and out of the country therefore although parameters of volume or weight may be reported they cannot be relied upon. International trade statistics only record the last country of dispatch therefore the figures reported do not necessarily report only goods manufactured in a given country. There is no remedy to this latter issue.
Because of the known reporting errors in respect of value/volume/weight, it is possible to apply a rational which cross compares these values and then by applying a set of assumptions as regards average density, thickness and value it is possible to arrive at a set of import figures (exports are more likely to be recorded accurately) that more accurately reflect the true position.
Statistical reporting of this type is not a statement of fact but rather a resemblance of the true position and the real value comes when looking at long term trends.
The graphs below are historic statistics for all wood based panels produced in the UK and Ireland.
UK and Irish OSB capacity
Since the first European OSB was produced in Inverness in June 1985, European OSB production capacity (Capacity = design capacity of press) has increased year on year, initially at an average rate of 27% per annum but has since dropped to around 6% per annum since 2007. The UK and Irish capacity was 670000 m3 in 2008.
