MDF market in South America

Earlier Report Observations

The MDF market in South America experienced significant growth between 2018 and 2021, with market volume expanding from 5.6 million m³ to nearly 10.8 million m³. This surge was driven by a substantial increase in imports, which peaked at over 3.4 million m³ in 2021, alongside steady growth in domestic production.

A sharp correction followed in 2022, with the market contracting to 5.8 million m³ as imports collapsed and production declined. A modest recovery to 6.1 million m³ occurred in 2023, supported by a rebound in production.

Available data for 2024 shows a continued decline in imports alongside a significant rise in exports. This shift coincides with the arrival of new production lines and larger factories, as well as quality regulations implemented in February 2024 that increased consumer acceptance of domestic MDF products, supporting local manufacturing and export growth.

Production MDF in South America

In kind, 2017-2020, K m³

Top producers of MDF, 2017-2020

World map of production of MDF, 2017-2020

South America's MDF production has grown for the third consecutive year. In 2020, the region produced 7 527 K m³ of MDF, marking an 11.4% increase compared to the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, production rose by 20.1%, which translates to an average annual growth rate of 6.3%.

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

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

South America's MDF production value has increased for the second year in a row. In 2020, the output was valued at 3 015 M $ US, up by 13.9% year-over-year. Between 2017 and 2020, production value grew by 14.1%, equivalent to an annualized rate of 4.5%. The lowest value was recorded in 2018 at 2 497 M $ US, with the largest decline of 5.5% occurring that same year.

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

Exports MDF from South America

Exports in kind, K m³

MDF exports from South America have declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, the region exported 1 098 K m³ of MDF, showing a modest decrease of 5.1% compared to the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, exports fell by 4%, corresponding to an annualized decline of 1.3%. The highest export volume was recorded in 2018 at 1 204 K m³, with the largest increase of 5.3% also occurring that year.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the three largest markets for South America's MDF exports in volume terms were the United States, Mexico, and Saudi Arabia, which together accounted for 57.3% of total export flows.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

MDF exports from South America have decreased for the third year in a row. In 2020, the region exported 440.0 M $ US of MDF, representing a slight decline of 3.0% compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, exports dropped by 8.8%, with a compound annual growth rate of -3.0%.

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

Throughout 2017–2020, the United States (52.1% of exports in value terms), Mexico (13.4%), and Canada (4.7%) were the primary markets for South America's MDF exports in monetary terms, collectively representing 70.3% of total export flows.

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

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

Imports MDF to South America

Imports in kind, K m³

The market exhibited volatility during this period. Imports reached their lowest point in 2017 and peaked in 2019, with a sixfold difference between these years. In 2020, South America's MDF import volume stood at 973 K m³, reflecting a significant decline of 38.9% year-over-year. The highest import volume was recorded in 2019 at 1 592 K m³, with the largest increase of 347.4% also occurring that year.

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

From 2017 to 2020, MDF imports in volume terms were spread across a broad range of partner countries. China (35.6% of imports in kind), Germany (3.0%), and Austria (1.1%) together accounted for just 39.7% of total import flows.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

South America's MDF import value has declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, imports amounted to 166.7 M $ US, indicating a decrease of 7.7% compared to 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, import value increased by 10.1%, equating to an annualized growth rate of 3.3%. The highest value was recorded in 2018 at 202.1 M $ US, with the largest increase of 33.4% occurring that year. The largest decline was in 2019 at 10.7%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, China (16.6% of imports in value terms), Germany (14.0%), and Austria (6.8%) formed the largest group of MDF suppliers to South America. However, their combined share was limited to 37.4% of total import value, indicating a diversified supplier structure.

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

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