The recently published annual report of the European Panel Federation indicates rising production and consumption of panels in Europe as well as higher raw material prices.
Particleboard production increased by 4% up to 37.2 million m3 while consumption gained 6.2% to reach 34 million m3. stronger growth rates were recorded in Central and Eastern European countries. Nevertheless, Western European countries remain the most important particleboard producers and consumers in absolute terms. Europe remains a clear net exporter of particleboard, as the net trade surplus amounted to nearly 3.8 million m3.
In 2006, production of MDF rose by 5.9% and achieved the new record level of 12.4 million m3 thanks to a further expansion of production capacity. European consumption of MDF gained 6% in 2006. Demand for laminated flooring was the engine behind the growth, but also demand from other sectors such as furniture increased. According to Eurostat, exports of MDF amounted to 1.5 million m3, while imports attained only 350,000 m3. The United States were the EU’s most important foreign market accounting for 24% of overall EU exports. The EU exported in the first instance surface improved panels, as only 37% of the MDF exports were raw boards.
OSB continued its upward path in Europe during 2006 achieving a new production record of 3.5 million m3, which was some 350,000 m3 or 12% more than in 2005. European consumption amounted to 2.85 million m3, which was an increase by 15%. The construction sector enjoyed an exceptionally good year in 2006 both in Eastern and in Western European countries. Moreover, the flooring sector increased its OSB consumption. At the end of 2006, the stock level of the European OSB industry dropped significantly, as production could hardly meet demand. Overall year-end stock level decreased by 40% compared to the end of 2005.
Wood and glue prices soared by 21% in 2006 thereby confirming the trend that appeared in 2005. Wood prices suffered from tight competition for wood with the biomass industry. In countries like Austria, Belgium and Germany, the increase of wood prices was higher, while countries like Portugal, Sweden and certain regions in Germany benefited from natural disasters which kept wood prices low. Costs for glues followed the strong upward trend oil prices experienced in 2005 and 2006. However, where oil prices decreased from the second half of 2006, resin prices did not. Moreover, costs for energy and transport were continuously increasing.
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