Particle board of wood market in Europe

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2019, the European particle board market grew, with volume reaching 39 967 thousand cubic meters in 2019. This increase was driven by the adoption of boards containing recycled wood and low-emission resins due to environmental regulations, as well as the furniture industry's shift toward modular and flat designs, which raised demand for pre-laminated panels. Infrastructure investments in regions like Asia-Pacific further stimulated global demand. In 2020, however, market volume fell to 37 186 thousand cubic meters as the COVID-19 pandemic significantly disrupted construction projects and supply chains.

The market experienced further shifts from 2021 to 2023. In 2021, volume declined to 35 853 thousand cubic meters even as production expanded, supported by investments in recycling technologies and the adoption of stricter European E1 and E0 standards for low formaldehyde emissions. By 2022, volume recovered to 37 298 thousand cubic meters, fueled by growing demand for moisture-resistant boards in commercial spaces and the development of modular furniture segments, although rising raw material prices and the European energy crisis increased production costs. In 2023, volume eased to 36 391 thousand cubic meters amid continued market consolidation among major players and a sustained focus on eco-friendly products, alongside demand from social housing programs and home renovations.

For 2024, the market continues to be shaped by strengthening European environmental regulations on formaldehyde emissions, which favor low-emission products, and ongoing investments in recycling technologies and sustainable production. Persistent global supply chain disruptions also affect lead times and costs.

Production particle board of wood in Europe

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

Europe's production of particle board of wood has declined for the second year in a row. In 2020, Europe produced 36 595 K m³ of particle board, which represents a decrease of 3.4% compared to the previous year. Looking at the period from 2017 to 2020, production fell by 4.5%, averaging an annual decline of 1.5%. The highest production level was recorded in 2018 at 38 339 K m³, while the largest increase occurred in the same year, though it was minimal at 0.0%.

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

Exports particle board of wood from Europe

Exports in kind, K m³

In 2020, Europe's exports of particle board of wood reached 14 303 K m³, marking a significant increase of 26.0% from 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, exports grew by 5.1%, with an average annual growth rate of 1.7%. The lowest export volume was in 2019 at 11 348 K m³, while the peak was in 2018 at 16 077 K m³. The most substantial decline occurred in 2019, with a drop of 29.4%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Europe's export portfolio for particle board of wood in kind was quite diverse. Key partners included Kazakhstan, which accounted for 3.5% of exports, Uzbekistan at 3.1%, and Morocco at 1.9%. Together, these three countries represented only 8.4% of total export flows, indicating a broad distribution across many markets.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

Europe's export value of particle board of wood has decreased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, exports totaled 3 746 M US dollars, reflecting a slight reduction of 2.2% from the previous year. The highest value was recorded in 2018 at 4 162 M US dollars. The largest decline occurred in 2019 with a 7.9% drop, while the biggest increase was in 2018 at 9.4%.

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

The structure of Europe's particle board exports in value terms from 2017 to 2020 shows a diversified partner base. Kazakhstan contributed 2.1% of export value, China 1.9%, and Uzbekistan 1.7%. Combined, these three countries accounted for just 5.7% of total flows, with the remaining 94.3% spread across numerous smaller markets.

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

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

Imports particle board of wood to Europe

Imports in kind, K m³

Europe's imports of particle board of wood have increased for the third year in a row. In 2020, imports amounted to a total value, reflecting a substantial uptick of 13.5% compared to 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, imports surged by 83.6%, averaging an annual growth rate of 22.4%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the leading sources for Europe's imports of particle board of wood in kind were Switzerland and Turkey, each accounting for 1.1% of imports, and Norway at 0.5%. Together, these three countries represented 2.7% of total import flows.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

Europe's import value of particle board of wood has declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, imports were approximately 3 226 M US dollars, down by 1.1% from 2019. The peak value was in 2018 at 3 567 M US dollars. The largest decrease occurred in 2019 with an 8.6% drop, while the highest increase was in 2018 at 10.5%.

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

In the period from 2017 to 2020, three main markets—Switzerland, Norway, and Turkey—collectively absorbed 4.6% of Europe's total import value for particle board of wood.

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

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