BRAZIL – As reported by IBA (Brazilian Tree Industry), in the first half of 2021 (6M-2021) the consumption of wood-based panels (Chipboard/MDP, MDF and Hardboard) in Brazil reached 4.09 million m3, an increase of 44.1 percent compared to the 2.84 million m3 reached in 6M-2020.

In 6M-2021, consolidated sales in Brazil’s domestic market reached 4.06 million m3, a 43.3 percent improvement compared to the same period in 2020 (6M-2020: 2.83 million m3).

Brazilian wood-based panel export values in 6M-2021 reached USD 159.6 million, representing a 28.9 percent growth compared to USD 123.8 million exported in 6M-2020.

Latin America was the main regional export market for Brazilian wood-based panels in 6M-2021, with USD 92.3 million (6M-2020: USD 60.5 million), representing a strong increase of 52.6 percent. The North American market followed in importance and was the fastest growing with USD 49.2 million and an increase of 52.9 percent over 6M-2020 (USD 38.6 million). China, although down 34.5 percent, was the third largest market for Brazilian wood panel exports, going from USD 11 million in 6M-2020 to USD 7.2 million in 6M-2021.

In 6M-2021 the volumes exported by Brazilian wood panel manufacturers presented a 13.6 percent improvement to 659 thousand m3 compared to 580 thousand m3 exported in 6M-2020.

IBÁ is the association in Brazil that brings together the production chain of trees planted for industrial purposes. The Association has been led by Paulo Hartung since March 2019.