US exports of OSB hit a new record in 2007, driven by emerging markets in Chile and Turkey, according to industry newsletter Random Lengths.
Some 141 million ft² were exported overseas during 2007, breaking the previous record of 93 million ft² set in 1997.
The massive increase during the year (2006: 12 million ft²) is due to poor conditions in the domestic market, where OSB inventories were high.
Chilean imports of US OSB rose to 26.7 million ft² from next to nothing in the previous year, while Turkish imports reached 23.7 million ft². Most products are 4×8 panels (7/16in).
Offshore exports of OSB are now greater than shipments to Canada.
