OSB market in the United States

Earlier Report Observations

The U.S. OSB market experienced significant growth in 2020 and 2021, with volume rising from 18.6 million m³ to 19.8 million m³. This expansion was driven by sustained residential construction demand during the COVID-19 pandemic and a strong trend toward green building. In 2021, regulatory changes that exempted OSB from strict formaldehyde regulations due to its low emissions further stimulated consumption, alongside increased use of MDI resins to meet LEED and BREEAM certifications.

Market volume fluctuated in other periods, declining to 17.8 million m³ in 2019 even as major producers like Louisiana-Pacific and Kronoplus announced capacity expansions. After peaking in 2021, the market stabilized at 19.7 million m³ in 2022, supported by Georgia-Pacific's capacity addition in South Carolina and growing preference for eco-friendly materials. In 2023, volume dipped to 18.5 million m³, although long-term investments continued, including Louisiana-Pacific's acquisition of Wawa OSB assets and Kronoplus's $350 million new plant in Alabama.

Throughout the period, structural shifts toward modular and prefabricated construction, along with federal support for affordable housing, influenced OSB consumption. Environmental awareness and material sustainability preferences remained key underlying drivers, as seen in the rising adoption of OSB for its low carbon footprint and recyclability.

Production OSB in the United States

In kind, 2017-2020, K m³

The United States held the top position globally for OSB production from 2017 to 2020.

Top producers of OSB, 2017-2020

World map of production of OSB, 2017-2020

Following two consecutive years of growth, OSB production in the United States experienced a decline. In 2020, the country produced 13,700 thousand cubic meters of OSB, marking a 1.1% decrease compared to the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, production overall increased by 6%, translating to a compound annual growth rate of 1.9%. The peak production volume was recorded in 2019 at 13,858 thousand cubic meters, while the most significant annual increase occurred in 2018 at 3.6%.

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

Exports OSB from the United States

Exports in kind, K m³

After two years of expansion, U.S. exports of OSB declined. In 2020, the United States exported 195 thousand cubic meters of OSB, representing a substantial 22.1% drop from 2019. Over the 2017-2020 timeframe, exports grew by 10.7%, with a compound annual growth rate of 3.4%. The highest export volume was achieved in 2019 at 250 thousand cubic meters, which also saw the largest annual increase of 30.8%.

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 primary destinations for U.S. OSB exports in volume terms, together accounting for 82.0% of total shipments. Other trading partners individually played a much smaller role.

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

In 2020, U.S. OSB exports in value terms reached 66 million U.S. dollars, reflecting a moderate 6.1% increase from the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, export value rose by 6.5%, equivalent to an annualized growth rate of 2.1%. The peak value was recorded in 2018 at 67 million U.S. dollars, which also experienced the largest annual increase of 8.5%. The most significant decline occurred in 2019, with a 7.4% drop.

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

During the 2017-2020 period, Canada and Mexico dominated U.S. OSB exports in value terms, jointly representing 82.7% of total flows. The remaining share was distributed among other markets.

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 OSB to the United States

Imports in kind, K m³

In 2020, OSB imports into the United States totaled 5,065 thousand cubic meters, showing a strong 20.9% increase compared to 2019. The lowest import volume was recorded in 2019 at 4,191 thousand cubic meters, while the peak occurred in 2018 at 5,576 thousand cubic meters. The most substantial annual decline took place in 2019, with a 24.8% decrease.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Canada was the dominant and nearly exclusive source for OSB imports into the United States in volume terms, accounting for 98.7% of total imports.

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, the value of OSB imports into the United States stood at 1,745 million U.S. dollars, surging by 59.8% from the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, import value increased by 19.6%, corresponding to an annualized growth rate of 6.2%. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 1,092 million U.S. dollars, which also saw the most significant annual decline of 34.0%.

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

Throughout 2017-2020, U.S. OSB imports in value terms were overwhelmingly concentrated on Canada, which represented 98.7% of total import flows.

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