Market Review 

OSB Mill Capacity in North America: An Expansion in the East
Oriented strand board (OSB) is a structural building product like plywood that is made from layers of wood strips (or strands) that are glued together and compressed with heat and pressure. Builders use OSB in subflooring and wall and roof sheathing. Mills manufacturing OSB in North America expanded over the past ten years. Since 2012, North American OSB mill capacity increased 14% to 26 billion square feet (BSF). During this time, housing starts nearly doubled in the United States and increased 22% in Canada. Also, OSB gained market share from plywood, jumping from 55% of structural panel production in North America in 2012 to 71% in 2022.

Mills added the most production capacity in the U.S. South with an increase of over 2 BSF. RoyOMartin built the newest OSB plant in the South in Corrigan, Texas in 2018. In addition, three OSB facilities started (or re-started) operations in the region. Farther north in East Canada, mills in Quebec added 1 BSF, the second largest volume regionally. West Fraser reopened the Chambord mill in 2021, and Forex opened the Amos mill in 2018. Georgia-Pacific closed the Mount Hope, WV mill, and in the absence of new mills, the U.S. North was the only region to lose capacity.



Looking ahead, announced mill projects will lift North American OSB capacity 8% (+2 BSF) in 2023. RoyOMartin is building a second mill in Corrigan, Texas expected to start this year, West Fraser plans to upgrade and restart the Allendale, South Carolina plant, and Georgia-Pacific is expanding the Clarendon, South Carolina mill. Tolko plans to reopen the High Prairie mill in Alberta that was damaged in a fire last year. Wawa OSB, planned for Ontario, is in our projections this year, but the project may be in jeopardy as the company filed for creditor protection under the Companies’ Creditors Arrangement Act (CCAA). OSB capacity will decline in the U.S. North as Louisiana-Pacific is converting the Sagola, Michigan plant to produce siding instead of OSB. While the mill will still purchase wood and provide jobs, it will no longer produce a structural panel.

The world's Largest Import Markets for Oriented Strandboard (OSB) in 2023

Oriented Strandboard (OSB) is a widely used building material made from compressed wood strands. It is known for its strength, durability, and cost-effectiveness, making it a popular choice for construction projects around the world. In this article, we will explore the top import markets for OSB and analyze the key statistics for each country.

1. United States - $1.9 Billion USD in 2023
The United States is the largest import market for Oriented Strandboard, with an import value of $1.9 billion USD in 2023. The country's robust construction industry and high demand for affordable housing are driving the import of OSB. The United States imports OSB primarily from Canada, Brazil, and Chile.

2. Germany - $182.2 Million USD in 2023
Germany is the second-largest import market for OSB, with an import value of $182.2 million USD in 2023. The country's strong economy and growing construction sector have contributed to the increasing demand for OSB. Germany imports OSB mainly from Russia, Poland, and Austria.

3. United Kingdom - $129.7 Million USD in 2023
The United Kingdom is another significant import market for Oriented Strandboard, with an import value of $129.7 million USD in 2023. The country's construction industry is booming, driven by infrastructure projects and residential development. The United Kingdom imports OSB primarily from Ireland, Germany, and Belgium.

4. Netherlands - $106.4 Million USD in 2023
The Netherlands is a key import market for OSB, with an import value of $106.4 million USD in 2023. The country's geographical location and well-developed logistics infrastructure make it a strategic hub for importing OSB. The Netherlands imports OSB mainly from Germany, Belgium, and Austria.

5. Italy - $102.9 Million USD in 2023
Italy is a significant import market for Oriented Strandboard, with an import value of $102.9 million USD in 2023. The country's construction industry is experiencing steady growth, driving the demand for OSB. Italy imports OSB primarily from Austria, Germany, and France.

6. France - $80.2 Million USD in 2023
France is an important import market for OSB, with an import value of $80.2 million USD in 2023. The country's construction sector is rebounding after a period of slowdown, leading to increased imports of OSB. France imports OSB mainly from Germany, Belgium, and Spain.

7. Belgium - $73.1 Million USD in 2023
Belgium is a key import market for Oriented Strandboard, with an import value of $73.1 million USD in 2023. The country's strategic location in Europe and strong trading relationships make it a popular destination for OSB imports. Belgium imports OSB primarily from Germany, the Netherlands, and France.

8. China - $69.2 Million USD in 2023
China is a growing import market for OSB, with an import value of $69.2 million USD in 2023. The country's expanding construction industry and urbanization drive the demand for OSB. China imports OSB mainly from Russia, Canada, and the United States.

9. Poland - $68.4 Million USD in 2023
Poland is a significant import market for Oriented Strandboard, with an import value of $68.4 million USD in 2023. The country's construction sector is booming, leading to a surge in imports of OSB. Poland imports OSB primarily from Germany, Ukraine, and Russia.

10. Japan - $63.8 Million USD in 2023
Japan is an important import market for OSB, with an import value of $63.8 million USD in 2023. The country's construction industry is recovering after the devastation caused by natural disasters, driving the demand for OSB. Japan imports OSB mainly from Malaysia, Indonesia, and Russia.

Source:  indexbox and forisk.com