Chilean Forestry Industry Faces Export Decline in 9 Months
The Chilean forestry industry, one of the pillars of the country's foreign trade, closed the first nine months of 2025 with a decline in its exports, contrasting with the overall positive performance of the trade balance. According to figures from the Undersecretariat of International Economic Relations (Subrei), forestry shipments reached US$4.450 billion, representing a 4.3% decrease compared to the same period in 2024.
The decline was explained by reduced shipments of pulp and sawn wood, two of the most traditional categories in the sector's export basket. However, the report also shows a shift in trend: products with a higher degree of processing recorded an increase. Among these, plywood, doors, and prefabricated constructions stand out, beginning to gain ground in international markets.
A contrast with the rest of foreign trade
In the overall balance, Chile closed January-September with a 7.8% growth in its trade exchange, totaling US$145.660 billion. Exports amounted to US$76.959 billion, representing a 4.7% increase and the highest figure recorded in history for that period.
Mining shipments led the rise, with sales of US$44.059 billion (+5.9%), where copper and lithium reached historic highs. The food industry also showed solid progress (+7.7%), driven by salmon, horse mackerel, fresh fruits, and organic products.
In contrast, the forestry industry—along with wine, which also recorded declines—showed the greatest difficulties in maintaining export volumes.
The challenge of innovating and adding value
Sector experts have emphasized that these results confirm the need to deepen the transition towards higher value-added products, capable of competing not only by volume but also by design, innovation, and sustainability.
In this line, shipments of prefabricated wood constructions, doors, and plywood are seen as a sign that the sector is beginning to diversify its offerings and adapt to global sustainable construction trends.
Forestry: lights and shadows
The forestry industry remains a key player in Chilean foreign trade. Its contribution, even with the decline recorded in 2025, remains around US$4.450 billion in nine months. The challenge for the coming years will be to further enhance value-added products and consolidate Chile's image not only as an exporter of pulp and raw wood but as a country capable of innovating and positioning itself in the global market for wood construction and bioproducts.
