Global concentration of MDF (Medium Density Fiberboard) exports

Introduction: Engineered for noble purposes, Medium Density Fiberboard (MDF) is a reconstituted wood panel used to reproduce wood designs and details.  Objective: To analyze the global concentration of MDF exports in the period 1995 to 2016. Materials and methods: The information was obtained from the statistics division of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (©FAO Statistics Division). Export concentration was measured using the following indicators: concentration ratio (CR[k]), Herfindahl–Hirschman index (HHI), Theil’s entropy index (E), comprehensive concentration index (CCI), Hall and Tideman index (HTI) and Gini coefficient (G).  Results and discussion: MDF exports grew 9.44 % annually, with China and Germany being the main exporters. The CR(k) indicated moderately low concentration, but with an oligopolistic market structure with high competition. competitiveness. Analysis of the indicators HHI, E, CCI and HTI indicate that there is low concentration and G infers strong inequality that tends to absolute.  Conclusion: Global MDF exports showed an oligopolistic market structure with high competition.