COLOMBIA - The value of Colombian imports of particleboard (PB/MDP) reached USD 73.32 million in the first half of 2023 (6M-2023), marking a 13.1% decrease compared to 6M-2022 (USD 84.36 million).

Madecentro, the country's largest distributor of inputs and services for the furniture and wood industry, remained the leading PB/MDP importer in 6M-2023, with USD 49.79 million, a 6.8% decrease compared to 6M-2022 (USD 53.42 million). They also accounted for 67.9% of the total PB/MDP imports in the first half of 2023.

Maderkit, one of the country's major furniture manufacturers, was the second-largest PB/MDP importer in 6M-2023, with USD 6.45 million, representing a 9.3% drop compared to the same period in 2022 (USD 7.12 million).

Duratex, the country's primary wooden panel manufacturer, stood as the third most significant PB/MDP importing company, with USD 5.25 million in 6M-2023.

Ecuador remained the top supplier of PB/MDP to the Colombian market in 6M-2023, providing USD 56.51 million, which was a 5.8% decrease compared to 6M-2022 (USD 60 million). Chile surpassed Brazil and became the second-largest supplier, with USD 7.39 million in 6M-2023, representing a significant increase of 21.8%.