MDF market in CIS

Earlier Report Observations

The MDF market in CIS grew to 5.4 million m³ in 2019, supported by steady demand from the construction and furniture sectors, following ruble devaluation and sanction pressures that boosted domestic production. The market contracted in 2020 as the COVID-19 pandemic caused supply chain disruptions and reduced output, falling to 4.7 million m³.

Investment projects and capacity expansion drove a market recovery in 2021, though geopolitical tensions and sanctions in 2022 led to further supply chain issues and a decline in volume. By 2023, continued government support for local manufacturers and the launch of new production facilities helped the market reach over 6 million m³, its highest level in the period.

Production MDF in CIS

In kind, 2017-2020, K m³

Top producers of MDF, 2017-2020

World map of production of MDF, 2017-2020

Following two consecutive years of growth, MDF production in the CIS region experienced a decline. In 2020, production reached 5 050 thousand cubic meters, marking a 9.5% decrease compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, overall production increased by 7.7%, with an average annual growth rate of 2.5%. The peak production volume was recorded in 2019 at 5 581 thousand cubic meters. The most significant year-over-year increase occurred in 2018, when production grew by 10.2%.

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

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

After two years of expansion, MDF production in the CIS region declined in value terms. In 2020, the output was valued at 2 332 million US dollars, representing a 19.7% decrease from 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, production value increased by 29.1%, which translates to an annualized growth rate of 8.9%. The highest value was achieved in 2019 at 2 904 million US dollars. The largest year-over-year increase occurred in 2019, with growth of 30.5%.

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

Exports MDF from CIS

Exports in kind, K m³

In 2020, MDF exports from the CIS region totaled 832 thousand cubic meters, showing a 2.6% increase from 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports decreased by 4.8%, with an average annual decline of 1.6%. The lowest export volume was recorded in 2019 at 811 thousand cubic meters, while the peak occurred in 2018 at 988 thousand cubic meters. The most substantial decline happened in 2019 with a 17.9% decrease, while the largest increase was in 2018 with 13.0% growth.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, the geographical distribution of MDF exports in volume terms was highly diversified. Poland accounted for 12.4% of exports, Ukraine for 11.3%, and Romania for 4.9%. Together, these three countries represented only 28.7% of total export flows, while the remaining 71.3% was distributed among numerous smaller trading partners.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

MDF exports from the CIS region declined for the second consecutive year in value terms. In 2020, exports totaled 384.0 million US dollars, representing a 9.0% decrease from the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, export value increased by 14.1%, equating to an annualized growth rate of 4.5%. The highest value was recorded in 2018 at 425.4 million US dollars. The most significant increase occurred in 2018 with 26.4% growth.

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

The structure of MDF exports in value terms during 2017-2020 can be characterized as diversified. Poland accounted for 10.1% of export value, Ukraine for 10.0%, and Romania for 6.3%. Combined, these three countries represented just 26.3% of total export flows, with no single country holding a clearly dominant position.

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

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

Imports MDF to CIS

Imports in kind, K m³

In 2020, MDF imports to the CIS region amounted to 527 thousand cubic meters, representing a 21.2% reduction compared to the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports decreased by 2.6%, with an average annual decline of 0.9%. The lowest import volume was recorded in 2018 at 475 thousand cubic meters, while the peak occurred in 2019 at 669 thousand cubic meters. The most substantial increase happened in 2019 with 40.8% growth.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, the CIS region sourced MDF from a broad range of suppliers. China accounted for 11.0% of import volume, Germany for 7.9%, and Turkey for 4.1%. Together, these three countries contributed only 23.0% of total import volume, while many other countries held smaller but still significant shares.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

Following two years of growth, MDF imports to the CIS region declined in value terms. In 2020, imports totaled 397.0 million US dollars, marking an 8.4% decrease from 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, import value increased by 17.7%, with an average annual growth rate of 5.6%. The highest value was recorded in 2019 at 433.5 million US dollars. The most significant increase occurred in 2018 with 20.9% growth.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, the CIS region sourced MDF from a diverse range of suppliers in value terms. China accounted for 12.6% of import value, Germany for 11.3%, and Turkey for 5.6%. Combined, these three countries contributed only 29.5% of total import value, while numerous other countries held smaller but meaningful shares.

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

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