US overseas MDF imports are running counter to industry trends, according to industry newsletter Random Lengths International.
Sharp increases in MDF imports in 2007 and 2008 came amid a backdrop of declining overall demand for wood products. Volumes peaked at about 1 million m³in 2008 and have faded slightly since, with 2010 predicted to be lower again.
The closure of several MDF plants during the last few years may have caused the market to look to imports.
China overtook Canada as the largest foreign supplier of MDF to the US in 2008 and has since maintained that position.
German shipments increased 32% in 2009 but has been pegged back 14% in the first four months of the 2010.
