The quarterly commentary, written by industry veteran Jim Buffington, reviews composite panel industry performance as related to other relevant economic indicators.
First quarter 2021 particleboard shipments increased 3.5% when compared to the same period last year, though Covid-related shutdowns in March 2020 means Q1, 2019 is a more relevant comparison than Q1, 2020.
Overall, first quarter MDF shipments increased 1.6% over the same period in 2020 and improved 3.2% over the first quarter of 2019. MDF and particleboard customers reported supply shortages.
Mr Buffington concludes that the composite panels industry in North America is ready for significant growth.
Mr Buffington has more than 35 years of business management, distribution and product development experience with the composite panel industry.
The commentary is available on the CPA website.