The UK national road freight volume for products of wood, cork, straw, plaiting, pulp and paper, printed matter, and recorded media is forecasted to decrease from 5.41 billion tonne-kilometers in 2024 to 4.61 billion tonne-kilometers by 2028. This represents a projected decline of approximately 3.88% per year, highlighting a contracting trend in the sector.
Key elements influencing this downward trend include:
- A shift towards digital media reducing physical shipments of printed matter and recorded media.
- Potential regulatory changes impacting the transportation sector.
- Increased efforts in sustainability and recycling affecting demand for virgin wood-based products.
Future trends to watch include advancements in transportation technology, potential policy changes addressing carbon emissions, and continued digital transformation impacting freight volumes in this sector.