MDF market in Latin America and the Caribbean

Earlier Report Observations

The MDF market in Latin America and the Caribbean expanded significantly from 2018 to 2021, with volume rising from 6.2 million cubic meters to over 11.4 million cubic meters. This growth was primarily fueled by sustained urbanization and residential construction activity, which increased demand for MDF in furniture and interior applications. The presence of major producers like ARAUCO and SWISS KRONO Group supported market development. In 2020, the initial impact of the COVID-19 pandemic caused supply chain disruptions and raised logistics costs, yet demand for moisture-resistant MDF in kitchens and bathrooms helped maintain modest growth. The post-pandemic recovery in 2021 accelerated as investments in innovation and a trend toward modular furniture and urban housing projects boosted consumption.

In 2022, the market contracted sharply to 6.5 million cubic meters as persistent high raw material and logistics costs pressured prices, while consumer behavior shifted toward seeking affordable options and promotions. The following year, a slight recovery to 6.7 million cubic meters was supported by the growing integration of e-commerce and digital channels in MDF distribution, alongside consumer preferences for practical and well-being-oriented products.

Production MDF in Latin America and the Caribbean

In kind, 2017-2020, K m³

Top producers of MDF, 2017-2020

World map of production of MDF, 2017-2020

MDF production in Latin America and the Caribbean has grown for the third year in a row. In 2020, the region produced 7,556 thousand cubic meters of MDF, representing a solid 11.4% increase from 2019. Looking at the period from 2017 to 2020, production rose by 20%, with an average annual growth rate of 6.3%.

Annual dynamics of production in Latin America and the Caribbean in kind, 2017-2020, K m³

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

MDF production in Latin America and the Caribbean has increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, the output was valued at 4,139 million US dollars, marking a robust 11.3% rise compared to the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, production grew by 22.2%, which translates to an annualized rate of 6.9%. The lowest value was recorded in 2018 at 3,171 million US dollars, with the largest decline that year at 6.4%. In contrast, the largest increase occurred in 2019, reaching 17.2%.

Annual dynamics of production in Latin America and the Caribbean in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Exports MDF from Latin America and the Caribbean

Exports in kind, K m³

Exported MDF volumes from Latin America and the Caribbean have declined for the second year in a row. In 2020, exports totaled 825 thousand cubic meters, a 3.0% decrease year-over-year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, exports fell by 9%, with an average annual decline of 3.1%. The peak was in 2018 at 972 thousand cubic meters, which saw the largest increase of 7.1%. The largest drop occurred in 2019, with a 12.5% decrease.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Latin America and the Caribbean in kind, 2017-2020, K m³

From 2017 to 2020, MDF exports from Latin America and the Caribbean were distributed across a wide range of partner countries. The United States accounted for 36.3% of exports in volume, Saudi Arabia for 2.5%, and Canada for 2.3%. Together, these three countries made up 41.1% of total export flows.

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

World map of product's exports from Latin America and the Caribbean in kind, 2017-2020

Exports in value, M $ US

MDF export volumes from Latin America and the Caribbean have decreased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, exports amounted to 452.1 million US dollars, showing a slight drop of 3.0% compared to the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, exports declined by 7.4%, with an average annual decrease of 2.5%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Latin America and the Caribbean in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Throughout 2017 to 2020, the United States, Canada, and Israel were the key destinations for MDF exports in value terms. The United States led with 53.0% of exports, followed by Canada at 4.6%, and Israel at 1.6%. Combined, these three countries accounted for 59.2% of total export flows.

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

World map of product's exports from Latin America and the Caribbean in value, 2017-2020

Imports MDF to Latin America and the Caribbean

Imports in kind, K m³

The market displayed volatility during the observed period. The minimum import volume was recorded in 2017, while the maximum peaked in 2019, showing a 4.4-fold difference between these years. In 2020, MDF imports into Latin America and the Caribbean stood at 1,322 thousand cubic meters, a 31.8% reduction from the previous year. The largest increase occurred in 2019, surging by 161.2%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Latin America and the Caribbean in kind, 2017-2020, K m³

From 2017 to 2020, MDF imports to Latin America and the Caribbean came from a diverse set of partner countries. China was the largest source, contributing 29.3% of imports in volume, followed by Spain at 3.1%, and Germany at 3.0%. Together, these three countries represented 35.4% of total import flows.

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

World map of product's imports to Latin America and the Caribbean in kind, 2017-2020

Imports in value, M $ US

In 2020, MDF imports into Latin America and the Caribbean totaled 319.3 million US dollars, a 15.2% decrease from 2019. The highest value was recorded in 2019 at 376.5 million US dollars, with the largest increase occurring in 2018 at 15.7%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Latin America and the Caribbean in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Between 2017 and 2020, the supplier base for MDF to Latin America and the Caribbean was broad. China accounted for 12.8% of imports in value, Germany for 9.1%, and the United States for 6.0%. Together, these three countries contributed 27.9% of total imports, while numerous other countries held smaller but significant shares.

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

World map of product's imports to Latin America and the Caribbean in value, 2017-2020