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Exports of Non-Timber Forest Products: Moss Leads the Market

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• Despite a decline in sales, Sphagnum moss remains the star product in NFTP exports, followed by extracts and fruits.

The basket of Non-Timber Forest Products (NTFPs) showed remarkable dynamism in the international market during 2023. With a total of 38 exported products, three more than the previous year, these goods continue to be an essential component of the exportable supply in the forestry sector, as reported by Infor.

Sphagnum magellanicum moss, commonly known as pompón moss, has secured the top spot in exports, despite a significant drop compared to the previous year.

Sphagnum moss, highly valued as a substrate for orchid cultivation, has generated revenues of US$24.5 million FOB, accounting for 28.0% of total NTFP exports. This amount, while leading the category, reflects a 26.7% decrease compared to 2022, when it reached its highest peak in the last five years. The Asian market remains the main consumer of this product.

In second place is quillay extract, with a 22.0% share in exports. This extract is widely demanded by the pharmaceutical industry for the production of compounds, highlighting its importance in the health product value chain.

Rosehip fruits, used in the cosmetic, pharmaceutical, and gastronomic industries, have also played a relevant role in exports, albeit with a 46.8% drop compared to the previous year. In 2023, these fruits reached transactions worth US$15.4 million, representing a 17.6% share of total NTFP exports.

The diversification of the NTFP basket and the opening of new markets are key aspects for the sustained growth of this sector. Despite fluctuations in export figures, international demand for non-timber forest products continues to rise, presenting an opportunity to strengthen the economy and the sustainable development of forest resources.