Downward figures for the world of wood panels. European production, in fact, decreased by 7.8 percent in 2022, according to data recently published by the European Panel Federation (Epf). The total production of the federation’s member countries, in fact, “only” reached 59.8 million cubic metres, with consumption showing a similar trend and a 7 percent reduction (60.8 million square metres) compared to 2021.
The production of chipboard panels also declined, falling by 6.9 percent to 32.1 million cubic meters in 2022. A particularly pronounced drop for mdf, down 9.3 percent to 12.5 million cubic meters, and osb (minus 10.7 percent and 6.4 million cubic metres produced). Plywood panels dropped ‘only’ 2.5 percent to just over 3 million cubic metres produced.
A two-sided 2022 then. With a positive first half and a second that “…is not exactly a catastrophe, but almost“, as Epf ceo Clive Pennington explained on the sidelines of the data presentation. And for 2023? The forecasts are not particularly optimistic, given the trend affecting other sectors as well and not just panel production. The various unknowns on the horizon will certainly affect orders. All we can do is wait.
