LEESBURG, VA -- Propelled by a big gain of hardboard, North American composite panel shipments edged up 1.7% in March to 520 MMSF compared to 518 MMSF (3/4-inch basis) for the same month last year.

According to the Composite Panel Association (CPA), particleboard shipments were 300 MMSF (3/4-inch basis), down 1.7% from 305 MMSF in March 2010. MDF shipments were 180 MMSF (3/4-inch basis) up 1.8% compared to 177 MMSF last March. Hardboard shipments were 243 MMSF (1/8-inch basis), up 9.7% from 219 MMSF from the same month one year ago.

Posted by Rich Christianson