US pellet production increases by 5.4%

During the first quarter of 2017, around 1.727m t pellets were produced in the USA. This demonstrates a 5.4% increase in comparison with the same period of the previous year.

According to data of the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) at the U.S. Department of Energy, production of pellets for the heating sector and of industrial pellets developed within contradictory lines. While production of industrial pellets increased by 11.5% to 1.364m t during the first three months, production of high quality pellets for the heating sector fell by 12.6% to 362,590t.

Such type of development also takes place in terms of regional distribution of production of pellets for the heating sector. While production in the east region decreased by some 36% compared to the same quarter of the previous year to 157,618t, production facilities in the west region raised production by 20% to 107,186t. Production in the south region also grew up by 24% to 97,782t. What is more, industrial pellets are produced only in the south region.

There are also more serious changes as for the mix of raw materials applied during the first quarter in comparison with the same period of the previous year. Accordingly, producers increased consumption of roundwood by 29.4% to 599.300t, while in contrast the use of sawmilling wastes ranges from the sawmill industry fell by 21.0% to 489,400t.

Information provided according to http://www.euwid-wood-products.com