MDF market in Belarus

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2019, the MDF market volume in Belarus increased from 1 465 to 1 570 thousand m³. This growth was driven by state-owned enterprises and import substitution policies, bolstered by the devaluation of the Belarusian ruble, which stimulated domestic production.

The COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 caused global supply chain disruptions, leading to a market volume drop to 1 375 thousand m³. In 2021, the market slightly declined to 1 346 thousand m³ as increased exports to Russia, where Belarus strengthened its position as a leading supplier, redirected more production abroad.

The market recovered to 1 480 thousand m³ in 2022 and further grew to 1 613 thousand m³ in 2023. This rebound occurred amidst international trade changes and sanctions that reduced export flows, while the entry of new market players and increased advertising investments in related industries supported domestic demand.

Production MDF in Belarus

In kind, 2017-2020, K m³

On a global scale, Belarus ranked as the 9th largest producer of MDF from 2017 to 2020.

Top producers of MDF, 2017-2020

World map of production of MDF, 2017-2020

Following two years of growth, MDF production in Belarus experienced a decline. In 2020, Belarus produced 1 850 K m³ of MDF, marking a significant drop of 13.3% compared to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production increased by 7.5%, which translates to an average annual growth rate of 2.5%. The highest production volume was recorded in 2019 at 2 133 K m³, while the largest year-on-year increase occurred in 2018 with a rise of 16.2%.

Annual dynamics of production in Belarus in kind, 2017-2020, K m³

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

After two years of improvement, MDF production in Belarus saw a downturn. In 2020, the output of MDF was valued at 313.3 M $ US, representing a reduction of 14.7% compared to 2019. From 2017 to 2020, production increased by 11.4%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.7%. The peak value was reached in 2019 at 367.4 M $ US, and the most substantial increase was observed in 2018 with a growth of 25.4%.

Annual dynamics of production in Belarus in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Exports MDF from Belarus

Exports in kind, K m³

After two years of growth, the volume of MDF exports from Belarus declined. In 2020, Belarus exported 599.3 K m³ of MDF, which is 10.3% lower than the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, exports increased by 18.2%, equating to an annualized growth rate of 5.7%. The highest export volume was recorded in 2019 at 668.3 K m³, and the largest increase occurred in 2018 with a rise of 27.0%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Belarus in kind, 2017-2020, K m³

From 2017 to 2020, Poland, Russia, and Ukraine were the leading destinations for Belarusian MDF exports in kind. Poland accounted for 30.9% of exports, Russia for 26.7%, and Ukraine for 25.8%. Together, these three countries represented 83.4% of total export flows.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from Belarus in kind, 2017-2020

Exports in value, M $ US

Following two years of gains, the value of MDF exports from Belarus decreased. In 2020, exports amounted to 101.5 M $ US, which is 11.8% lower than in 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, exports increased by 22.5%, with an annualized growth rate of 7.0%. The peak value was reached in 2019 at 115.1 M $ US, and the largest increase was recorded in 2018 with a growth of 37.1%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Belarus in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Between 2017 and 2020, Poland, Russia, and Ukraine were the primary buyers of MDF from Belarus in value terms. Poland accounted for 30.9% of export value, Russia for 26.5%, and Ukraine for 24.9%. Collectively, these three countries made up 82.3% of total export value.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from Belarus in value, 2017-2020

Imports MDF to Belarus

Imports in kind, K m³

In 2020, MDF imports into Belarus totaled 124.2 K m³, representing an increase of 18.3% compared to 2019. From 2017 to 2020, imports grew by 42.1%, with an annualized growth rate of 12.4%. The largest decline occurred in 2019 with a drop of 4.7%, while the largest increase was recorded in 2018 with a rise of 26.0%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Belarus in kind, 2017-2020, K m³

During the period from 2017 to 2020, Russia and Poland were the dominant suppliers of MDF to Belarus in kind, together accounting for 80.0% of total imports. Other partners played a less significant role in the import structure.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to Belarus in kind, 2017-2020

Imports in value, M $ US

In 2020, the value of MDF imports into Belarus reached 41.1 M $ US, marking an increase of 11.5% over the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports increased by 40.6%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 12.0%. The largest decline was recorded in 2019 with no change, while the largest increase occurred in 2018 with a growth of 26.1%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Belarus in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

From 2017 to 2020, Russia, Poland, and Ukraine remained the main suppliers of MDF to Belarus in value terms. Russia accounted for 55.0% of import value, Poland for 22.1%, and Ukraine for 8.1%. Together, these three countries constituted 85.1% of total import value.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to Belarus in value, 2017-2020