CHILE - Chile experienced a marginal 1.8% increase in particleboard (PB/MDP) exports during the first nine months of 2023 (9M-2023), totaling USD 79.55 million compared to USD 78.13 million in the corresponding period of 2022.

Arauco and Masisa collectively accounted for all Chilean PB/MDP exports in 9M-2023, with Arauco contributing USD 61.06 million and Masisa USD 18.49 million. This marked a notable 13.1% increase for Arauco and a significant 23.6% decrease for Masisa, compared to their respective figures of USD 53.99 million and USD 24.19 million in 9M-2022.

The performance of Chilean PB/MDP exports in 9M-2023 revealed noteworthy growth in shipments to Guatemala (USD 6.30 million), Ecuador (USD 5.79 million), and Costa Rica (USD 5.52 million), showcasing increases of 49.3%, 17.7%, and 12.0%, respectively.

In the primary export market for Chilean particleboard, shipments to Mexico saw a 3.1% uptick, reaching USD 28.60 million. Conversely, the second-largest external market, Peru, experienced a substantial 12.8% decrease, with shipments totaling USD 16.52 million in 9M-2023.

Colombia, holding the third position in importance for Chilean PB/MDP exports, faced a decline of 9.9%, reaching USD 11.44 million in 9M-2023.