LEESBURG, Va. - Despite a drop in November, year-to-date shipments of particleboard and MDF are up 2% to 5.267 BSF, compared to the same period in 2017, according to industry data reports from the Composite Panel Association. Composite panels are used in a variety of products, including cabinetry, furniture, retail fixtures, closet systems and flooring.
After a strong October, combined shipments of particleboard and MDF fell 4% in November to 420 MMSF (3/4-inch basis), compared to 437 MMSF in 2017. The CPA's Industry Snapshot Report shows particleboard shipments were at 246 MMSF in November, down 4.9% compared to November 2017, while year-to-date shipments were up slightly, 0.1% ahead of 2017, to 3.080 BSF.
MDF shipments in November decreased 2.6% to 174 MMSF, compared to the same month a year ago. Year-to-date MDF shipments were 2.187 BSF, 4.9% ahead of last year.
Meanwhile, year-to-date shipments of thermally fused laminates (TFL) were also up through November, rising 1.9% to 1,203 MMSF, compared to 1,181 MMSF in 2017. Canadian TFL shipments rose 3.2% for the year to date, with U.S. shipments up 1% compared to 2017.
For the month of November, TFL shipments increased 0.8% to 103.4 MMSF, compared to 102.5 MMSF last year, according to CPA shipment reports. TFL shipments were extrapolated based on data from 86.3% of the U.S. and Canadian industry.
Founded in 1960, CPA represents 95% of the North American manufacturers of particleboard and MDF. For information about the composite panel and decorative surfaces industry, as well as related regulations, visit CompositePanel.org.