BRAZIL - As reported by IBA (Brazilian Tree Industry), in the first three months of 2022 (1Q-2022) the consumption of wood-based panels (Particleboard/MDP, MDF and Hardboard) in Brazil reached 1.66 million m3, a sharp decrease of 18.7 percent compared to the 2.04 million m3 consumed in 1Q-2021.

In 1Q-2022, consolidated sales in Brazil's domestic market reached 1.66 million m3, a drop of 18.1 percent compared to the same period in 2021 (2.02 million m3).

Brazilian wood-based panel export values in 1Q-2022 reached USD 120.3 million, representing a significant growth of 53.4 percent compared to USD 78.4 million exported in 1Q-2021.

Latin America was the main regional export market for Brazilian wood-based panels in 1Q-2022, with USD 66.6 million (1Q-2021: USD 47.3 million), representing an increase of 40.8 percent. The North American market followed in importance with USD 39.0 million and a strong increase of 64.6 percent compared to 1Q-2021 (USD 23.7 million).

In 1Q-2022, the volumes exported by Brazilian wood panel manufacturers increased by 34.5 percent with 452 thousand m3 compared to 336 thousand m3 exported in 1Q-2021.