MDF market in Russia

Earlier Report Observations

The Russian MDF market expanded in 2019 as major producers like Kronospan and Swiss Krono increased investment, aided by a reduction in import duties that lowered manufacturing costs. This growth was interrupted in 2020 when the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted supply chains and temporarily reduced production and domestic consumption.

A strong recovery began in 2021 with the launch of new production facilities and the enforcement of import substitution policies. Sanctions and specific import restrictions, such as those on thin MDF panels, further channeled demand toward domestic manufacturers. Supported by state measures for the timber industry, the market volume grew consistently, reaching 3.1 million m³ by 2023.

By 2024, the market entered a phase of stabilization centered on capacity expansion and diversification into specialized segments like fire-resistant and moisture-resistant MDF. Regulatory updates on product labeling and certification continued, while digital sales channels gained influence in the distribution landscape.

Production MDF in Russia

In kind, 2017-2020, K m³

Between 2017 and 2020, Russia ranked 7th globally in MDF production.

Top producers of MDF, 2017-2020

World map of production of MDF, 2017-2020

Russia's MDF production saw a two-year increase before declining. In 2020, production stood at 3 160 K m³, marking a 7.0% drop from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, production grew by 6.4%, with an average annual growth rate of 2.1%. The peak was in 2019 at 3 398 K m³, which also saw the largest annual increase of 8.0%.

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

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Following two years of growth, Russia's MDF production value fell. In 2020, the output was valued at 726.3 M $ US, a significant 17.3% decrease from the year before. The highest value was recorded in 2019 at 878.2 M $ US, while the largest annual increase occurred in 2018 at 10.2%.

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

Exports MDF from Russia

Exports in kind, K m³

In 2020, Russia's MDF exports reached 1 212 K m³, showing a modest 3.2% year-over-year increase. From 2017 to 2020, exports rose by 19.3%, translating to an average annual growth of 6.1%. The largest decline was in 2019 at 1.9%, while the biggest increase was in 2018 at 17.9%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, and Romania were the top destinations for Russia's MDF exports in volume, accounting for 31.4%, 15.1%, and 7.5% of total exports, respectively. Together, they made up 54.0% of all export flows.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

Russia's MDF export value declined for the second year in a row. In 2020, exports were valued at 278.5 M $ US, down 8.2% from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, export value increased by 10.6%, with an average annual growth rate of 3.4%. The peak was in 2018 at 308.7 M $ US, which also saw the largest annual increase of 22.6%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, and Romania formed the main markets for Russia's MDF exports in value terms, with shares of 24.0%, 18.2%, and 8.6%, respectively. Combined, they accounted for 50.8% of total export value.

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

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

Imports MDF to Russia

Imports in kind, K m³

Russia's MDF import volume increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, imports amounted to 370 K m³, up 6.7% from 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports grew by 9.5%, with an average annual growth rate of 3.1%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Belarus, Germany, and China were the primary sources for Russia's MDF imports in volume, making up 46.4%, 21.5%, and 15.6% of total imports, respectively. Together, they accounted for 83.5% of all import flows.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

Russia's MDF import value fell for the second year in a row. In 2020, imports reached 121.5 M $ US, a 1.7% decrease from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, import value dropped by 8.5%, with an average annual decline of 2.9%. The highest value was in 2018 at 137.8 M $ US, with the largest annual decrease in 2019 at 10.2% and the largest increase in 2018 at 3.8%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Germany, Belarus, and China were the main sources for Russia's MDF imports in value terms, accounting for 31.0%, 23.0%, and 16.4% of total imports, respectively. Together, they made up 70.5% of all import value.

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

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