COLOMBIA - The value of Colombian imports of particleboard (PB/MDP) reached USD 82.43 million in the first seven months of 2023 (7M-2023), marking an 18.8% decrease compared to the same period in 2022 (7M-2022: USD 101.52 million).

Madecentro, the country's largest distributor of supplies and services for the furniture and wood industry, with over 200 points of sale nationwide, once again stood as the leading importer of PB/MDP in 7M-2023, with USD 55.55 million, representing a 12.0% decrease compared to 7M-2022 (USD 63.15 million). They also accounted for 67.4% of the total PB/MDP imports in the first seven months of 2023 (7M-2022: 62.2%).

Maderkit, one of the country's major furniture manufacturers, was the second-largest PB/MDP importer in 7M-2023, with USD 7.37 million, a 15.2% drop compared to 7M-2022 (USD 8.69 million).

Duratex, the country's leading wood panel manufacturer, retained its position as the third-largest PB/MDP importer with USD 5.25 million in 7M-2023, despite a 37.3% decline compared to 7M-2022 (USD 8.38 million).

Ecuador remained the top supplier of PB/MDP to the Colombian market in 7M-2023, with USD 63.43 million, representing an 11.7% decrease compared to 7M-2022 (USD 71.84 million).

Chile surpassed Brazil and became the second-largest supplier with USD 8.30 million in 7M-2023, marking a 17.2% decrease. Brazil followed with USD 6.07 million, and Spain with USD 2.16 million.