“Coronavirus is curtailing supply from China and seeing major shows cancelled”
The coronavirus pandemic sweeping the globe is having a big impact on the timber trade. A number of the industry’s major shows have been cancelled, including the China International Furniture Fair in Guangdong province, the Salone del Mobile in Italy, and the Holz-Handwerk and Fensterbau Frontale in Germany.
Supply is also drying up from China. One UK distributor recently told the Timber Trade Journal that no shipments of timber have left Chinese ports in three weeks. He explained: “we can only expect to receive whatever is already on the water. In about a month’s time there will be a sudden drop-off.”
Unsurprisingly, the virus is also having a major effect on the UK market. Social distancing measures and widespread quarantines mean that tradesmen are no longer able to work in customers’ homes or offices, and small businesses across the country are feeling the pinch.
We consider ourselves fortunate to be in a position to help in the fight against coronavirus. We are currently supplying timber for the conversion of Excel Hospital into a dedicated coronavirus centre – a worthwhile project to be a part of, and one which will supply the UK with 4,000 new critical care beds.
However, in light of this crisis, we have prioritised the health and wellbeing of our staff, suppliers and customers, and taken the difficult decision to suspended all non-essential business operations until 14th of April, pending further developments.
We are still able to price enquiries and take orders to be fulfilled when normal service resumes. Simply call us on 0845 50 50 311, or get in touch with us via the contact form on our contact page.