South Africa: Mdf Market 2025

Mdf Market Size in South Africa

The South African MDF market was finally on the rise to reach $X in 2021, after three years of decline. The market value increased at an average annual rate of +5.6% from 2012 to 2021; however, the trend pattern indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded in certain years. As a result, consumption attained the peak level and is likely to continue growth in the immediate term.

Mdf Production in South Africa

In value terms, MDF production skyrocketed to $X in 2021 estimated in export price. In general, the total production indicated a prominent increase from 2012 to 2021: its value increased at an average annual rate of +8.1% over the last nine years. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2014 when the production volume increased by 37% against the previous year. Over the period under review, production hit record highs in 2021 and is likely to see steady growth in years to come.

Mdf Exports

Exports from South Africa

MDF exports from South Africa soared to X cubic meters in 2021, rising by 18% against the previous year. Overall, exports showed buoyant growth. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2018 when exports increased by 41%. The exports peaked in 2021 and are expected to retain growth in years to come.

In value terms, MDF exports soared to $X in 2021. Over the period under review, exports posted a prominent expansion. As a result, the exports attained the peak and are likely to continue growth in the immediate term.

Exports by Country

Zimbabwe (X cubic meters) was the main destination for MDF exports from South Africa, accounting for a 70% share of total exports. Moreover, MDF exports to Zimbabwe exceeded the volume sent to the second major destination, Namibia (X cubic meters), more than tenfold. Kenya (X cubic meters) ranked third in terms of total exports with a 5.4% share.

From 2012 to 2021, the average annual rate of growth in terms of volume to Zimbabwe amounted to +15.9%. Exports to the other major destinations recorded the following average annual rates of exports growth: Namibia (+21.5% per year) and Kenya (-6.3% per year).

In value terms, Zimbabwe ($X) remains the key foreign market for MDF exports from South Africa, comprising 60% of total exports. The second position in the ranking was held by Namibia ($X), with a 6.9% share of total exports. It was followed by Kenya, with a 6.8% share.

From 2012 to 2021, the average annual growth rate of value to Zimbabwe amounted to +21.2%. Exports to the other major destinations recorded the following average annual rates of exports growth: Namibia (+22.1% per year) and Kenya (-0.4% per year).

Export Prices by Country

In 2021, the average MDF export price amounted to $X per cubic meter, jumping by 38% against the previous year. Over the period from 2012 to 2021, it increased at an average annual rate of +2.2%. As a result, the export price reached the peak level and is likely to continue growth in the immediate term.

There were significant differences in the average prices for the major overseas markets. In 2021, amid the top suppliers, the country with the highest price was Kenya ($X per cubic meter), while the average price for exports to Tanzania ($X per cubic meter) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was recorded for supplies to Zambia (+7.8%), while the prices for the other major destinations experienced more modest paces of growth.

Mdf Imports

Imports into South Africa

For the third year in a row, South Africa recorded growth in supplies from abroad of MDF, which increased by 46% to X cubic meters in 2021. In general, imports, however, continue to indicate a relatively flat trend pattern. Imports peaked at X cubic meters in 2013; however, from 2014 to 2021, imports failed to regain momentum.

In value terms, MDF imports soared to $X in 2021. Over the period under review, imports, however, recorded a relatively flat trend pattern. Imports peaked at $X in 2013; however, from 2014 to 2021, imports stood at a somewhat lower figure.

Imports by Country

Brazil (X cubic meters), Thailand (X cubic meters) and Germany (X cubic meters) were the main suppliers of MDF imports to South Africa, together comprising 54% of total imports. These countries were followed by China, Malaysia, Hungary, Belgium and Malawi, which together accounted for a further 34%.

From 2012 to 2021, the biggest increases were recorded for Hungary (with a CAGR of +96.3%), while purchases for the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

In value terms, the largest MDF suppliers to South Africa were Germany ($X), Brazil ($X) and Thailand ($X), together accounting for 47% of total imports. These countries were followed by China, Hungary, Malaysia, Belgium and Malawi, which together accounted for a further 34%.

Hungary, with a CAGR of +99.4%, recorded the highest rates of growth with regard to the value of imports, among the main suppliers over the period under review, while purchases for the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

Import Prices by Country

In 2021, the average MDF import price amounted to $X per cubic meter, surging by 12% against the previous year. In general, the import price, however, saw a relatively flat trend pattern. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2015 an increase of 14% against the previous year. As a result, import price reached the peak level of $X per cubic meter. From 2016 to 2021, the average import prices remained at a somewhat lower figure.

There were significant differences in the average prices amongst the major supplying countries. In 2021, amid the top importers, the country with the highest price was Germany ($X per cubic meter), while the price for Brazil ($X per cubic meter) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by Hungary (+1.6%), while the prices for the other major suppliers experienced a decline.

Source: IndexBox Platform

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