Fibre shortages are driving price increases in the North American non-structural panels markets, according to industry newsletter Random Lengths.
The publication reports that only a fraction of particleboard and MDF producers in North America are running at full capacity, with some mills curtailing production due to shortages.
Sawmill curtailments and competition from other industries, including the pulp and paper sector, wood pellet plants and agriculture are blamed for the shortages and increased prices.
Non-structural panel mills are reportedly loathe to quote prices beyond a few weeks.
Prices for 3/4in industrial particleboard have risen US$53 from September 2007.
