Particle board of wood market in Central America

Earlier Report Observations

The particle board market in Central America experienced a notable expansion in 2020, with volume jumping to 1 048.3 thousand m³ from 939.0 thousand m³ the previous year. This growth was primarily driven by a substantial rise in imports, which increased to 272.9 thousand m³, and a concurrent drop in exports. After a contraction in 2021, the market volume recovered steadily, reaching 1 047.0 thousand m³ by 2023.

During 2020, the market saw the production and commercialization of FSC-certified solid wood panels from sustainable forest plantations, which raised quality standards and influenced consumer perception. Simultaneously, the manufacturing of edge-glued and finger-joint panels emerged as a new segment, diversifying the product range and catering to specialized demand within the region.

In the years following 2020, import levels remained elevated, supporting a market volume that consistently stayed above 990 thousand m³. Domestic production remained stable around 805 thousand m³ annually, indicating a balanced reliance on both local manufacturing and imported particle board to meet regional consumption.

Production particle board of wood in Central America

In kind, 2017-2020, K m³

Top producers of particle board of wood, 2017-2020

World map of production of particle board of wood, 2017-2020

In 2020, Central America produced 804.2 thousand cubic meters of particle board, showing broad stability compared to 2019. The highest production level was recorded in 2018 at 806.3 thousand cubic meters, which represented a modest increase of 0.1%.

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

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Following a two-year decline, particle board production in Central America saw an upturn. In 2020, the output was valued at 200.9 million US dollars, marking a measured year-over-year increase of 3.8%. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production decreased by 11.4%, with a compound annual growth rate of 4.0%. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 193.5 million US dollars, while the largest decline occurred in 2018 with an 8.1% drop.

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

Exports particle board of wood from Central America

Exports in kind, K m³

After two years of growth, particle board exports from Central America declined. In 2020, the region exported 28.8 thousand cubic meters, representing a sharp reduction of 44.4% compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports decreased by 23.2%, with a compound annual growth rate of 8.4%. The peak was in 2019 at 51.8 thousand cubic meters, and the largest increase was recorded in 2018 with a 22.5% rise.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the United States accounted for the largest share of particle board exports from Central America, representing 87.1% of total volume.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

Following a two-year rise, the value of particle board exports from Central America declined. In 2020, exports totaled 7 196 thousand US dollars, indicating a sharp decline of 42.2% compared to the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports decreased by 31.9%, with a compound annual growth rate of 12.0%. The highest value was recorded in 2019 at 12 443 thousand US dollars, while the largest increase occurred in 2018 with a 12.5% rise.

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

Throughout 2017-2020, the United States remained the primary buyer of particle board from Central America, accounting for 72.4% of total export value.

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

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

Imports particle board of wood to Central America

Imports in kind, K m³

Central America's particle board imports increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, imports reached 272.9 thousand cubic meters, up by 48.4% compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports grew by 32.5%, with a compound annual growth rate of 9.8%. The lowest volume was recorded in 2018 at 169.5 thousand cubic meters, which also saw the largest decline of 17.7%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, three key markets—the United States, Chile, and Spain—collectively accounted for 71.4% of total particle board imports by volume into Central America.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

Central America's particle board imports increased for the second year in a row. In 2020, imports were valued at 75 058 thousand US dollars, reflecting a steep rise of 37.1% from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports increased by 25.6%, with a compound annual growth rate of 7.9%. The lowest value was recorded in 2018 at 54 069 thousand US dollars, which also experienced the largest decline of 9.5%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the United States (38.7% of import value), Chile (20.1%), and Spain (9.7%) formed the main group of sources for particle board imports into Central America, together accounting for 68.6% of total value.

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

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