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Biobío's Forestry Shipments Fall Nearly 48%, Severely Impacting Regional Exports

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The forestry sector of the Biobío Region recorded a drop of nearly 48% in its shipments abroad during October 2025, becoming the main factor behind the regional export decline, according to a report by the National Statistics Institute (INE). The contraction was led by a sharp decrease in exports of pulp and wood products, historically strategic sectors for the territory's economy.

The forestry complex—which integrates activities such as forestry and the manufacturing of pulp, paper, and cardboard—accounts for a substantial portion of regional exports, so its negative performance had a direct impact on the month's results.

Pulp Explains a Large Part of the Forestry Plunge

Pulp was once again the main exported product from Biobío, with shipments worth 93.6 million dollars, equivalent to nearly 30% of the regional total. However, the product recorded a year-on-year drop of 63%, subtracting more than 159 million dollars compared to October 2024.

This decline explains a large part of the nearly 48% drop in forestry shipments, considering the weight pulp carries within the sector and its high dependence on international markets, particularly in Asia.

Sawn Wood and Plywood Deepen the Negative Trend

The adverse scenario also extended to other key products in the forestry chain. Exports of sawn wood reached 46.2 million dollars, recording a year-on-year decrease of 16.9%, while plywood totaled 23.8 million dollars, with a decline of 34.6%.

Likewise, products with a higher degree of processing, such as fiberboard, wood profiles, and moldings, showed significant declines, reflecting a widespread contraction in the regional forestry sector.

The drop in forestry shipments was closely linked to decreased demand in the main destination markets. China, the main buyer of Biobío's pulp, recorded a sharp reduction in its imports, while the United States, another key market for wood products, also showed declines compared to the previous year.

This adverse international context reinforced the negative trend in the forestry sector, which faces lower prices, demand adjustments, and a more uncertain global scenario.

A Blow to a Strategic Sector of Biobío

Despite the setback, the forestry sector continues to be one of the structural pillars of the regional economy, both for its contribution to exports and for its productive linkages and job creation. However, the nearly 48% drop in forestry shipments once again highlights Biobío's high dependence on this sector and the challenges it faces in terms of market and product diversification.

October's performance confirms that the evolution of the forestry sector will continue to be decisive for the regional economic performance in the coming months.