OSB market in Northern America

Earlier Report Observations

The OSB market in Northern America showed considerable volume shifts from 2018 to 2023. It reached 17 037 thousand m³ in 2019, supported by steady demand from the construction and furniture sectors, alongside rising consumer spending on furniture in the US.

After declining to 12 762 thousand m³ in 2020 and 11 113 thousand m³ in 2021, the market recovered to 12 233 thousand m³ in 2022, a 10% increase, driven by the growing trend toward green building certifications and a preference for eco-friendly materials, which boosted OSB demand in sustainable construction. A sharp 63% surge followed in 2023, lifting the market to 19 899 thousand m³, fueled by ongoing urbanization, infrastructure development, new residential construction, and the adoption of sustainable practices such as increased use of recycled wood and modular construction.

Production OSB in Northern America

In kind, 2017-2020, K m³

Top producers of OSB, 2017-2020

World map of production of OSB, 2017-2020

Northern America's OSB production saw a two-year increase before declining. In 2019, production reached its peak at 21 489 K m³. However, in 2020, output fell to 20 329 K m³, marking a modest year-over-year decrease of 5.4%. The largest annual increase occurred in 2018, with a growth rate of 3.7%.

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

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Northern America's OSB production value declined for the second consecutive year. In 2018, production hit its highest point at 5 699 M $ US, with the largest annual increase of 27.1% recorded that year. By 2020, output dropped to 4 648 M $ US, down 13.9% from the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production increased by 3.7%, averaging an annual growth rate of 1.2%.

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

Exports OSB from Northern America

Exports in kind, K m³

After two years of decline, Northern America's OSB export volumes rebounded. In 2019, exports hit their lowest point at 4 616 K m³, with the largest annual decrease of 27.3% recorded that year. In 2020, exports surged to 7 754 K m³, showing a sharp increase of 68.0% compared to 2019. From 2017 to 2020, exports grew by 12.5%, with a compound annual growth rate of 4.0%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Japan, China, and Vietnam were the main markets for Northern America's OSB exports in kind. Japan accounted for 2.9% of exports, China for 1.2%, and Vietnam for 0.9%. Together, these three countries represented 5.1% of total export flows.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

Northern America's OSB export value increased in 2020 after a decline. In 2019, exports reached their minimum at 1 159 M $ US, with the largest annual drop of 33.3% recorded that year. In 2020, exports rose to 1 773 M $ US, up 53.0% from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports increased by 15.2%, with a compound annual growth rate of 4.8%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Japan, China, and Vietnam were the primary destinations for Northern America's OSB exports in value terms. Japan held a 2.8% share, China 1.0%, and Vietnam 0.8%. Combined, these three markets accounted for 4.6% of total export flows.

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

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

Imports OSB to Northern America

Imports in kind, K m³

Northern America's OSB import volumes increased for the second consecutive year. In 2018, imports were at their lowest at 125 K m³, with the largest annual decline of 28.3% recorded that year. In 2019, imports grew by 31.0%, the largest annual increase. By 2020, imports reached 187 K m³, up 14.2% from 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports increased by 7.1%, with a compound annual growth rate of 2.3%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, China was the dominant supplier of OSB to Northern America in kind, accounting for 0.7% of total imports.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

Northern America's OSB import value rose for the second year in a row. In 2018, imports were at their minimum at 34 M $ US, with the largest annual decrease of 11.5% recorded that year. In 2019, imports increased by 20.0%, the largest annual gain. In 2020, imports totaled 43 M $ US, up 5.2% from 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports grew by 11.7%, with a compound annual growth rate of 3.8%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, China consistently held the largest share of OSB imports to Northern America in value terms, representing 1.0% of total flows.

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

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