MDF market in Europe

Earlier Report Observations

The European MDF market volume remained relatively stable between 2018 and 2020, showing a slight decline from 17 040 тыс. m³ to 16 830 тыс. m³.

A sharp expansion occurred in 2021, with the market volume rising to 20 153 тыс. m³. This surge was primarily driven by increasing demand for sustainable MDF products, supported by government initiatives promoting eco-friendly construction materials. The market then contracted to 19 225 тыс. m³ in 2022, pressured by global supply chain disruptions, rising energy and transport costs, and an energy crisis compounded by reduced raw material availability following Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Despite this downturn, Kronoplus invested €400 million in a new MDF production line in Tortosa, Spain, adding 720 000 m³ of annual capacity.

The decline accelerated in 2023 as the market volume fell to 16 014 тыс. m³. This was influenced by a normalization of construction material prices after the extreme peaks of 2021-2022, alongside persistent skilled labor shortages and planning uncertainties, which constrained building activity and demand.

Production MDF in Europe

In kind, 2017-2020, K m³

Top producers of MDF, 2017-2020

World map of production of MDF, 2017-2020

Europe's MDF production volume declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, 19,469 thousand cubic meters of MDF were produced in Europe, representing a 5.4% decrease compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production decreased by 3.5%, with a compound annual growth rate of 1.2%. The highest production level was recorded in 2018 at 20,706 thousand cubic meters, which also saw the largest annual increase of 2.7%.

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

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

After two years of decline, Europe's MDF production value increased in 2020. Output was valued at 12,955 million US dollars, marking a 10.2% advance compared to 2019. However, over the broader period from 2017 to 2020, production value decreased by 11.4%, with a compound annual growth rate of 3.9%. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 11,754 million US dollars, while the largest decline occurred in 2018 with a 15.8% drop.

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

Exports MDF from Europe

Exports in kind, K m³

Following two years of growth, MDF exports from Europe declined in 2020. Exports totaled 6,084 thousand cubic meters, showing a modest contraction of 9.2% compared to the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, exports increased by 22.1%, equating to an annualized growth rate of 6.9%. The peak export volume was recorded in 2019 at 6,701 thousand cubic meters, while the largest annual increase occurred in 2018 with a 33.0% rise.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the country structure of MDF exports in volume terms remained highly diversified. Uzbekistan accounted for 3.6% of exports, Norway for 1.8%, and Kazakhstan for 1.8%, with these three countries together representing just 7.2% of total export flows. The remaining 92.8% was distributed among a long tail of smaller markets.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

In 2020, the value of MDF exports from Europe amounted to 4,048 million US dollars, reflecting a 5.7% increase year-over-year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, export value grew by 12.1%, with a compound annual growth rate of 3.9%. The largest decline was recorded in 2019 at 2.7%, while the largest increase occurred in 2018 with a 9.0% rise.

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

The structure of MDF exports in value terms from 2017 to 2020 can be described as diversified. The United States accounted for 2.4% of export value, Norway for 2.4%, and Uzbekistan for 1.8%, with these three countries together representing just 6.6% of total flows. No single country held a clearly dominant position in the export market.

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

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

Imports MDF to Europe

Imports in kind, K m³

Imported MDF volumes in Europe increased for the third consecutive year in 2020. Imports reached 3,445 thousand cubic meters, indicating a substantial gain of 12.2% compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports grew by 27.1%, with a compound annual growth rate of 8.3%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Switzerland was the leading market for MDF imports in volume terms, accounting for 2.0% of imports. Turkey followed with 1.7%, and China with 1.2%. Together, these three countries represented 4.8% of total import flows.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

In 2020, the value of MDF imports into Europe totaled 3,456 million US dollars, equivalent to a 12.6% year-over-year rise. Between 2017 and 2020, import value increased by 22.5%, equating to an annualized growth rate of 7.0%. The largest decline was recorded in 2019 with a 2.8% drop.

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

Throughout 2017 to 2020, Switzerland played the leading role in MDF imports to Europe in value terms, accounting for 3.0% of imports. Turkey followed with 1.9%, and China with 1.5%. These three countries jointly accounted for 6.5% of total import flows.

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

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