MDF market in Japan

Earlier Report Observations

The Japanese MDF market reached 1 043.8 thousand m³ in 2019, a slight increase from the previous year. However, market volume fell by 15.5% to 881.7 thousand m³ in 2020. Recovery began in 2021, with the market growing 2.7% to 905.7 thousand m³, supported by increased use of recycled wood chips and sawmill residues in production, which improved resource sustainability. A strong expansion followed in 2022, as market volume jumped 16.0% to 1 050.9 thousand m³, driven by technological advances that boosted demand for MDF in smart home applications and high-end furniture.

The market contracted again in 2023, declining 16.8% to 874.6 thousand m³. During the latter part of the period, industry players focused on sustainable practices. Daiken accelerated its shift to fully plantation-sourced fiber by acquiring a stake in a Malaysian plantation company to stabilize raw material supply. Simultaneously, regulatory pressures persisted, with tighter formaldehyde emission limits under the Building Standards Act influencing product specifications.

Looking ahead, manufacturers intensified efforts in eco-friendly innovations, such as developing MDF with bio-based adhesives and launching certified hardwood MDF. Major infrastructure projects, including redevelopment for the Expo 2025 in Osaka, generated additional construction demand. The market also saw a growing need for specialized products like flame-retardant and moisture-resistant MDF, reflecting ongoing diversification and responsiveness to environmental regulations.

Production MDF in Japan

In kind, 2018-2021, K m³

Between 2018 and 2021, Japan ranked as the 29th largest producer of MDF globally.

Top producers of MDF, 2018-2021

World map of production of MDF, 2018-2021

In 2021, Japan produced 378.0 K m³ of MDF, showing a modest 8.0% increase compared to 2020. Over the 2018-2021 period, production decreased by 4.5%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 1.5%. The highest production level was recorded in 2019 at 404.0 K m³, while the lowest was in 2020 at 350.0 K m³. The most significant decline occurred in 2020, with a drop of 13.4%.

Annual dynamics of production in Japan in kind, 2018-2021, K m³

In value, 2018-2021, M $ US

Following a two-year decline, MDF production in Japan saw an upturn. In 2021, the output was valued at 209.3 M $ US, marking a moderate year-over-year gain of 7.4%. From 2018 to 2021, production decreased by 12.7%, which translates to an annualized rate of 4.4%. The lowest value was recorded in 2020 at 194.9 M $ US, with the largest decline also occurring that year at 13.4%.

Annual dynamics of production in Japan in value, 2018-2021, M $ US

Exports MDF from Japan

Exports in kind, K m³

MDF export volumes from Japan declined for the second consecutive year. In 2021, exports totaled 3.4 K m³, representing a significant drop of 16.2% compared to 2020. Over the 2018-2021 period, exports decreased by 34.4%, with a CAGR of 13.1%. The peak export volume was in 2019 at 5.2 K m³, while the largest decline was in 2020 at 22.1%. The largest increase occurred in 2019 at 0.4%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Japan in kind, 2018-2021, K m³

From 2018 to 2021, China and Vietnam were the dominant markets for Japan's MDF exports in volume terms, together accounting for 88.9% of total flows, with the remainder distributed among other destinations.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's exports from Japan in kind, 2018-2021

Exports in value, M $ US

MDF exports from Japan declined for the third consecutive year. In 2021, Japan exported 1.9 M $ US of MDF, amounting to a solid reduction of 16.7% year-over-year. Over the 2018-2021 period, exports decreased by 40.1%, with a CAGR of 15.7%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Japan in value, 2018-2021, M $ US

Throughout 2018-2021, China and Vietnam concentrated the majority of Japan's MDF exports in value terms, while other markets were individually less significant.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's exports from Japan in value, 2018-2021

Imports MDF to Japan

Imports in kind, K m³

Japan's MDF imports declined for the second consecutive year. In 2021, imports amounted to 531.0 K m³, down by 0.9% from the previous year. Between 2018 and 2021, imports decreased by 17%, equating to an annualized rate of 6.0%. The highest import volume was recorded in 2019 at 644.9 K m³, with the largest decline occurring in 2020 at 16.9%. The largest increase was in 2019 at 0.8%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Japan in kind, 2018-2021, K m³

From 2018 to 2021, New Zealand, Malaysia, and Indonesia were the primary sources for Japan's MDF imports in volume terms, together absorbing 89.9% of total imports.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's imports to Japan in kind, 2018-2021

Imports in value, M $ US

In 2021, Japan imported 232.4 M $ US of MDF, amounting to a gain of 4.5% compared to 2020. Over the 2018-2021 period, imports decreased by 11.4%, with a CAGR of 3.9%. The lowest value was recorded in 2020 at 222.4 M $ US, while the highest was in 2019 at 273.8 M $ US. The largest decline occurred in 2020 at 18.8%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Japan in value, 2018-2021, M $ US

From 2018 to 2021, New Zealand (46.1% of imports in value terms), Malaysia (29.3%), and Indonesia (9.7%) were the main markets for Japan's MDF imports in value terms, together accounting for 85.1% of total flows.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's imports to Japan in value, 2018-2021