A positive factor for the UK timber trade in 2020 was that the initial downturn in construction sector activity, which is a key driver of timber demand, during the first “great lockdown” was short and followed by a stronger rebound than other areas of the economy.  This rebound was losing momentum in the last quarter of 2020, but not before overall construction activity was nearly back to pre-pandemic levels. Repair and maintenance activity, both for housing and non-housing, an important driver for hardwood demand, was actually slightly higher than before the pandemic .  IHS Markit ...