Canada's Particle Board Price Surges 19% to $495 per Cubic Meter

Canada Particle Board Export Price in September 2022

In September 2022, the particle board price amounted to $495 per cubic meter (FOB, Canada), with an increase of 19% against the previous month. Over the period under review, the export price, however, showed a relatively flat trend pattern. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in March 2022 when the average export price increased by 25% against the previous month. The export price peaked at $785 per cubic meter in April 2022; however, from May 2022 to September 2022, the export prices remained at a lower figure.

As there is only one major export destination, the average price level is determined by prices for the United States.

From January 2022 to September 2022, the rate of growth in terms of prices for Japan amounted to +6.7% per month.

Canada Particle Board Export Prices by Type

There were significant differences in the average prices for the major types of exported product. In September 2022, the product with the highest price was particle board and similar board of ligneous materials (excluding wood) ($2,064 per cubic meter), while the average price for exports of waferboards ($488 per cubic meter) was amongst the lowest.

From January 2022 to September 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was recorded for the following types: waferboard (+4.5%), while the prices for the other products experienced mixed trend patterns.

Canada Particle Board Exports

In September 2022, the amount of particle boards exported from Canada dropped to 536K cubic meters, which is down by -6.6% against the month before. Overall, exports, however, continue to indicate a relatively flat trend pattern. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in March 2022 when exports increased by 33% m-o-m. Over the period under review, the exports attained the maximum at 637K cubic meters in May 2022; however, from June 2022 to September 2022, the exports stood at a somewhat lower figure.

In value terms, particle board exports reached $265M (IndexBox estimates) in September 2022. Over the period under review, exports, however, showed a relatively flat trend pattern. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in March 2022 when exports increased by 66% m-o-m. As a result, the exports reached the peak of $488M. From April 2022 to September 2022, the growth of the exports remained at a lower figure.

Canada Particle Board Exports by Type

Oriented strandboard (OSB) (461K cubic meters) was the largest type of particle board exported from Canada, accounting for a 86% share of total exports. Moreover, oriented strandboard (OSB) exceeded the volume of the second product type, waferboards (74K cubic meters), sixfold. The third position in this ranking was held by wooden particle board (808 cubic meters), with a 0.2% share.

From January 2022 to September 2022, the average monthly rate of growth in terms of the volume of export of oriented strandboard (OSB) was relatively modest. With regard to the other exported products, the following average monthly rates of growth were recorded: waferboards (+2.3% per month) and wooden particle board (-3.3% per month).

In value terms, oriented strandboard (OSB) ($229M) remains the largest type of particle board exported from Canada, comprising 86% of total exports. The second position in the ranking was held by waferboards ($36M), with a 14% share of total exports. It was followed by wooden particle board, with a 0.2% share.

From January 2022 to September 2022, the average monthly rate of growth in terms of the export volume of oriented strandboard (OSB) was relatively modest. With regard to the other exported products, the following average monthly rates of growth were recorded: waferboards (+6.8% per month) and wooden particle board (-0.5% per month).

Canada Particle Board Exports by Country

the United States (536K cubic meters) was the main destination for particle board exports from Canada, with a approximately 99.9% share of total exports. From January 2022 to September 2022, the average monthly rate of growth in terms of volume to the United States totaled +1.0%.

In value terms, the United States ($265M) also remains the key foreign market for particle board exports from Canada. From January 2022 to September 2022, the average monthly growth rate of value to the United States was relatively modest.

Factors Affecting Particle Board Prices

In Canada, the price of particle board is determined by a number of factors. The essential factor is the cost of raw materials. The most common type of wood used for particle board is pine. Other types of wood that can be used include spruce, fir, and poplar. Particle board is made from wood chips, sawdust or other wood-based materials, so the cost of these inputs will have a direct impact on the price. When these prices increase, the price of particle board also increases.

The other factor is the type of particle board. The first is the type of wood used. Softwoods like pine are less expensive than hardwoods like oak. The second factor is the density of the board. Particle boards come in a variety of densities, from low-density boards that are easy to work with but not very strong to high-density boards that are more expensive but much stronger. The third factor is the size of the board. Particle boards come in a range of sizes, from small pieces that can be used for crafts projects to large sheets that are used for construction. The fourth factor is the thickness of the board. Particle boards come in a variety of thicknesses, from thin sheets that can be cut with a saw to thick sheets that require special equipment to cut. Finally, the fifth factor is the finish of the board. Particle boards can be finished with a variety of materials, including paint, veneer, laminate, and carpeting.

Transport costs also greatly affect the price. Particle board is typically shipped in large volumes and over long distances, so transport costs can make up a significant portion of the final price. Particle board is typically transported by truck from the manufacturing plant to distributors or retailers. These transportation costs can fluctuate based on fuel prices and other economic conditions.

Energy costs are also a significant factor in the price of particle board. Manufacturing particle board requires a lot of energy, and this cost is passed on to consumers in the form of higher prices.

Finally, labor costs also play a role in determining the price of particle board. Particle board manufacturers often rely on low-wage workers to keep production costs down. However, when labor costs increase, it can cause the price of particle board to increase as well.

Source: IndexBox Market Intelligence Platform