The affect on wood and tool prices following the COVID 19 outbreak

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on the prices of wood and tools in the UK, with both experiencing fluctuations over the past two years.

According to the Timber Trade Federation, the price of softwood increased by around 30% between January 2020 and June 2021, while the price of hardwood increased by around 40% during the same period. This increase in wood prices has been attributed to supply chain disruptions, transportation delays, and increased demand for wood products, particularly in the home improvement and DIY sectors.

In addition to wood prices, the cost of woodworking tools has also increased in recent years. According to a report by Woodworking Network, the cost of raw materials used to manufacture woodworking tools, such as steel and plastic, has risen significantly since the pandemic began. This increase in production costs has led to higher prices for many woodworking tools, particularly power tools like saws and drills.

Moreover, the pandemic has led to a surge in demand for DIY and home improvement projects, leading to shortages of some tools and accessories. This has further contributed to the increase in tool prices. According to a report by DIY Week, sales of DIY products and tools increased by 24% in 2020 compared to the previous year, with many retailers struggling to keep up with demand. The pandemic has also caused disruptions to the manufacturing and supply of woodworking tools, particularly those made in China, which is one of the world's largest producers of woodworking tools. According to a report by Woodworking Network, many Chinese manufacturers had to shut down temporarily in early 2020 due to COVID-19, leading to delays in the production and delivery of woodworking tools.

The COVID-19 pandemic has caused significant disruptions to the woodworking industry in the UK, with wood and tool prices experiencing fluctuations over the past two years. While the exact impact of the pandemic on wood and tool prices may vary depending on the location and specific market, it is clear that woodworkers in the UK may need to adjust their budgets and project plans accordingly to account for these changes in prices.