MDF market in China

Earlier Report Observations

Between 2018 and 2019, China's MDF market volume grew from 52 918 тыс. м³ to 56 019 тыс. м³, supported by accelerated urbanization and rising consumer spending which increased demand from the furniture manufacturing and construction sectors. Government policies promoting industry upgrades and technological transformation further encouraged major producers to expand their capacities, contributing to the rise in production to 58 048 тыс. м³ in 2019.

The market stabilized in 2020 with a slight increase to 56 368 тыс. м³, as the COVID-19 pandemic caused temporary demand fluctuations. During this period, manufacturers accelerated product innovation, launching moisture-proof and fire-resistant MDF variants, while adopting more efficient continuous pressing technology to maintain output amid supply chain disruptions.

From 2021, the market entered a sustained contraction, falling to 45 328 тыс. м³ by 2023. This decline was primarily driven by stricter environmental supervision and the implementation of the new national standard GB/T 11718-2021 in June 2022, which raised product performance and environmental requirements, leading to the exit of some production capacity and industry consolidation. Concurrently, tight raw material supply and rising prices pressured manufacturers, while the industry shifted focus toward developing low-formaldehyde and green MDF products to meet evolving consumer preferences.

Production MDF in China

In kind, 2017-2020, K m³

China was the world's leading producer of MDF from 2017 to 2020, consistently ranking first by production volume.

Top producers of MDF, 2017-2020

World map of production of MDF, 2017-2020

China's MDF production increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, the country produced 58 314 K m³ of MDF, showing little change compared to the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, production grew by 3.6%, with a compound annual growth rate of 1.2%. The lowest production volume was recorded in 2018 at 55 152 K m³, which also saw the largest decline of 2.0%. In contrast, 2019 experienced the highest increase at 5.3%.

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

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

China's MDF production value declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, output was valued at 20 436 M $ US, representing a 5.5% decrease from 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, production value increased by 3.5%, translating to an annualized growth rate of 1.2%. The peak value occurred in 2018 at 22 292 M $ US, which also saw the largest increase of 12.9%.

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

Exports MDF from China

Exports in kind, K m³

China's MDF export volume declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, the country exported 2 125 K m³ of MDF, marking a 5.9% reduction compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports decreased by 26.7%, with a compound annual decline rate of 9.8%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, China's MDF exports were distributed across a wide range of buyers. The United States accounted for 13.2% of exports in volume, Nigeria for 12.2%, and Saudi Arabia for 8.6%. Together, these three countries represented 34.0% of total exports, while numerous other nations held smaller but significant shares.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

China's MDF export value declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, exports totaled 745 M $ US, reflecting a notable 11.4% drop from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, export value decreased by 26.7%, with a compound annual decline rate of 9.8%.

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

The partner structure for China's MDF exports in value terms remained fragmented from 2017 to 2020. The United States accounted for 18.0% of export value, Nigeria for 10.4%, and Russia for 6.0%. Combined, these three countries represented 34.3% of total flows, with no single country dominating the market.

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

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

Imports MDF to China

Imports in kind, K m³

Following two years of growth, China's MDF import volume declined. In 2020, imports reached 179 K m³, a 21.4% decrease from 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, imports fell by 14.5%, equating to an annualized decline of 5.1%. The highest import volume was recorded in 2019 at 228 K m³, while 2018 saw the largest increase of 4.5%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, New Zealand, Germany, and Switzerland were the leading sources of MDF imports to China in volume terms. New Zealand accounted for 26.5% of imports, Germany for 18.0%, and Switzerland for 8.4%. Together, these three countries represented 52.9% of total import flows.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

China's MDF import value declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, imports were valued at approximately 83 M $ US, reflecting a sharp 19.8% drop compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, import value decreased by 19.1%, with a compound annual decline rate of 6.8%. The peak value occurred in 2018 at 107 M $ US, which also saw the largest increase of 3.5%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Germany, New Zealand, and Belgium were the largest suppliers of MDF to China in value terms. Germany accounted for 24.7% of import value, New Zealand for 16.6%, and Belgium for 16.1%. Together, these three countries formed 57.4% of total imports.

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

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