COLOMBIA - The value of Colombian imports of particleboard (PB/MDP) reached USD 102.64 million in the first nine months of 2023 (9M-2023), marking a decrease of 26.6% compared to the same period in 2022 (9M-2022: USD 139.79 million).

Madecentro, the country's largest distributor of supplies and services for the furniture and wood industry, with over 215 points of sale nationwide, once again positioned itself as the primary importer of PB/MDP in 9M-2023, with USD 69.01 million, representing a 21.7% decrease compared to the same period the previous year (9M-2022 USD 63.15 million). They also accounted for 67.2% of the total PB/MDP imports in the first nine months of 2023 (9M-2022: 63.1%).

Maderkit, one of the country's leading furniture manufacturers, was the second-largest importer of PB/MDP in 9M-2023, with USD 9.39 million, a 15% decline compared to 9M-2022 (USD 11.05 million).

Duratex, the country's leading wood panel manufacturer, maintained its position as the third-largest PB/MDP importer with USD 5.50 million in 9M-2023, despite a 57.7% decrease compared to 9M-2022 (USD 13.01 million).

Ecuador was comfortably the main supplier country of PB/MDP to the Colombian market in 9M-2023, with USD 79.76 million, representing a 19.2% decrease from 9M-2022 (USD 98.71 million).

Chile surpassed Brazil and became the second-largest supplier country with USD 10.64 million in 9M-2023, marking a 25.9% decrease. Brazil followed with USD 6.50 million, and Spain with USD 3.02 million.