MDF market in the United States

Earlier Report Observations

In 2018 and 2019, the U.S. MDF market volume remained stable at around 4 950 thousand m³, supported by growth in residential construction, particularly single-family homes, which drove demand in the furniture and building sectors. However, the market contracted to 4 630 thousand m³ in 2020 as stringent government regulations, including formaldehyde emission limits, began to hinder market expansion.

The market recovered to 5 193 thousand m³ in 2021 due to high demand for furniture, which caused a shortage of MDF and led to price increases in the domestic market. Further growth to 5 558 thousand m³ occurred in 2022, fueled by stricter fire safety regulations that boosted demand for fire-retardant MDF products.

In 2023, the market volume fell to 4 167 thousand m³ amid regulatory pressure from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the California Air Resources Board, which set maximum formaldehyde emission limits at 0.11 ppm. Manufacturers responded by expanding production capacities and innovating with low-formaldehyde MDF and environmentally friendly adhesives, intensifying competition. By 2024, investments continued with new facilities such as Homanit's planned plant in South Carolina and the launch of ultra-low-emission products by companies like Arauco North America, adapting to environmental standards and consumer preference for sustainable materials.

Production MDF in the United States

In kind, 2017-2020, K m³

Globally, the United States ranked as the 8th largest producer of MDF from 2017 to 2020.

Top producers of MDF, 2017-2020

World map of production of MDF, 2017-2020

Following two years of growth, MDF production in the United States declined. In 2020, the country produced 2 667 K m³ of MDF, which represents a 16.3% decrease compared to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production fell by 10.7%, translating to an annualized rate of 3.7%. The peak production was recorded in 2019 at 3 185 K m³, while the largest annual increase occurred in 2018 with a rise of 3.5%.

Annual dynamics of production in the United States in kind, 2017-2020, K m³

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

MDF production in the United States declined for the second year in a row. In 2020, the output was valued at 1 063 M $ US, marking a 16.6% drop from 2019. From 2017 to 2020, production decreased by 5.2%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 1.8%. The highest value was recorded in 2018 at 1 359 M $ US, and the largest increase also occurred in 2018 with a 21.3% rise.

Annual dynamics of production in the United States in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Exports MDF from the United States

Exports in kind, K m³

In 2020, the United States exported 207 K m³ of MDF, down by 30.8% compared to the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, exports decreased by 36.6%, equating to an annualized rate of 14.1%. The largest increase was recorded in 2019 with a 2.9% rise.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Canada and Mexico were the dominant buyers of MDF from the United States, together accounting for 93.2% of total exports in volume terms. Other destinations each held relatively small shares.

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

World map of product's exports from the United States in kind, 2017-2020

Exports in value, M $ US

MDF export volumes from the United States declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, the country exported 82 M $ US of MDF, a 31.1% decrease from the year before. Between 2017 and 2020, exports fell by 32.7%, with an annualized rate of 12.4%. The peak value was recorded in 2018 at 128 M $ US, and the largest increase occurred in 2018 with a 4.3% rise.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the two leading markets—Canada and Mexico—together accounted for 92.7% of total exports in value terms. The remaining volume was distributed across a wide range of other countries.

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

World map of product's exports from the United States in value, 2017-2020

Imports MDF to the United States

Imports in kind, K m³

In 2020, MDF imports into the United States totaled 2 170 K m³, showing a gradual improvement of 5.1% year-over-year. Between 2017 and 2020, imports increased by 2.8%, equating to an annualized rate of 0.9%. The lowest volume was recorded in 2019 at 2 065 K m³, and the largest decline occurred in 2019 with a 3.8% drop.

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

From 2017 to 2020, three main markets—Chile, Canada, and China—together absorbed 66.2% of total MDF imports into the United States in volume terms.

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

World map of product's imports to the United States in kind, 2017-2020

Imports in value, M $ US

In 2020, MDF import volume into the United States totaled 1 055 M $ US, up by 4.6% year-over-year. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 1 009 M $ US, while the peak was in 2018 at 1 101 M $ US. The largest decline occurred in 2019 with an 8.4% drop.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Chile (22.1% of imports in value terms), Canada (21.9%), and China (19.1%) were the largest suppliers of MDF to the United States, together forming 63.1% of total imports in value terms.

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

World map of product's imports to the United States in value, 2017-2020