MDF market in Ecuador

Earlier Report Observations

Between 2018 and 2022, the MDF market in Ecuador contracted from 70 503 m³ to 43 879 m³. This decline was partially influenced by public sector wage reforms in 2019, which increased labor costs across the manufacturing industry. Internal market consumption faced pressure during this period, despite stable domestic production holding at 28 000 m³ annually. The market's trajectory shifted in 2023, with volume rebounding to 59 925 m³. This recovery was primarily driven by a sharp decline in exports, which fell from 32 102 m³ to 9 235 m³, making significantly more product available for domestic consumption.

The post-2022 period was marked by a series of new cost pressures on the industry. Regulatory changes kept the focus on labor management, with ministerial agreements on work and safety regulations impacting production costs. By 2024, several external shocks intensified these challenges, including an increase in VAT from 12% to 15%, an energy crisis causing daily power cuts, and rising fuel prices. These factors collectively increased operational and logistical costs for manufacturers and distributors, contributing to a continued decline in imports.

Production MDF in Ecuador

In kind, 2017-2020, m³

Top producers of MDF, 2017-2020

World map of production of MDF, 2017-2020

In 2020, Ecuador produced 28 000 m³ of MDF, showing only a marginal fluctuation compared to the previous year. The largest decline occurred in 2018 at 0.0%, while the largest increase was also recorded in 2018 at 0.0%.

Annual dynamics of production in Ecuador in kind, 2017-2020, m³

In value, 2017-2020, K $ US

In 2020, Ecuador's MDF output was valued at 8 213 K $ US, representing a modest increase of 8.6% from the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, production grew by 6.9%, equating to an annualized rate of 2.2%. The minimum value was recorded in 2019 at 7 561 K $ US, with the largest decline that year at 6.0%.

Annual dynamics of production in Ecuador in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

Exports MDF from Ecuador

Exports in kind, m³

Ecuador's MDF export volume increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, the country exported 30 410 m³ of MDF, up by 5.4% from the prior year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, exports rose by 29.7%, with a compound annual growth rate of 9.1%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Colombia, the United States, and Chile accounted for the largest share of Ecuador's MDF exports in volume. Colombia represented 39.2% of exports, the United States 25.6%, and Chile 11.9%, together comprising 76.7% of total export flows.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

Ecuador's MDF exports increased in value for the third consecutive year. In 2020, exports stood at 8 920 K $ US, marking a notable gain of 14.5% compared to 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, exports grew by 38.6%, equating to an annualized rate of 11.5%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Colombia, the United States, and Chile remained the principal buyers of Ecuador's MDF in value terms. Colombia accounted for 37.1% of exports, the United States 26.5%, and Chile 12.0%, jointly representing 75.6% of total export value.

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

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

Imports MDF to Ecuador

Imports in kind, m³

Ecuador's MDF import volume declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, imports amounted to 49 989 m³, marking a robust drop of 13.1% compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports decreased by 5.2%, with a compound annual growth rate of 1.7%. The maximum value was recorded in 2018 at 69 413 m³, with the largest increase that year at 31.7%. The largest decline occurred in 2019 at 17.2%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Brazil, Chile, and China consistently remained the main sources for Ecuador's MDF imports in volume. Brazil accounted for 42.5% of imports, Chile 25.3%, and China 17.4%, together comprising 85.2% of total import flows.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

Ecuador's MDF imports from abroad declined in value for the second consecutive year. In 2020, the country imported approximately 15 499 K $ US of MDF, corresponding to a robust contraction of 19.7% compared to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports decreased by 7.5%, with a compound annual growth rate of 2.6%. The maximum value was recorded in 2018 at 22 893 K $ US, with the largest increase that year at 36.6%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Brazil, China, and Chile consistently occupied leading positions in Ecuador's MDF import structure in value terms. Brazil accounted for 31.3% of imports, China 26.1%, and Chile 24.5%, jointly representing 81.9% of total import flows.

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

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