SPAIN (Madera Sostenible).- The Spanish construction activity continued to decline in 2012. Consequently, particleboard consumption was further reduced by 16.7% and imports by 14.2%. On the other hand, exports also fell by 13.2%. The production capacity was reduced by 270,000 m3 and amounted to less than 3.5 million m3 in 2012. 

The Spanish production of particleboard last year represented less than 5% of European production, ranking Spain seventh among the largest European producers. While it is expected that fiscal policies will have a positive impact on investment in construction, 2013 will be a difficult year for the industry of wood-based panels: Episodes of liquidations and closures are not yet over  and financing conditions are more stringent.