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Biobío's Forestry Shipments Increased by 5.6% in the October-December Quarter of 2024

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During the October-December 2024 quarter, exports from the Biobío Region reached a total of US$1,401.0 million, with the forestry sector leading shipments at US$1,048.5 million. This represents a 5.6% growth compared to the same period the previous year, as reported by the INE.

Forestry Sector Leadership

The manufacturing of pulp, paper, and cardboard was the most impactful activity, accounting for 60.4% of total exports. This segment recorded US$632.8 million in shipments, reflecting a 17.5% increase compared to the previous year, thanks to a US$94.3 million rise in exports. In contrast, other forestry products experienced an 8.5% decline, totaling US$414.2 million in exports, or US$38.4 million less than in 2023.

Main Export Destinations

The top five destination countries for regional exports were China, the United States, South Korea, Mexico, and Japan, accumulating US$767.0 million, equivalent to 73.2% of total exports. Compared to the same quarter the previous year, these nations increased their imports by US$12.0 million, reflecting 1.6% growth.

1. China led the list with imports of US$435.6 million, representing 41.5% of total exports and a 12.3% growth compared to the same period in 2023.
2. The United States received US$204.7 million, showing a 17.0% decline.
3. South Korea increased its imports by 10.9%, reaching US$48.3 million.
4. Mexico experienced an 8.5% decrease, totaling US$47.0 million.
5. Japan increased its purchases by 23.3%, with US$31.4 million in imports.

Top Exported Products

The most notable forestry exports during the quarter were:

1. Pulp: US$615.5 million (58.7% of the total), with a 17.6% increase.
2. Sawn wood: US$158.6 million, with a 10.7% decline.
3. Plywood: US$102.1 million, with a 17.7% rise.
4. Wood profiles and moldings: US$51.1 million, with a 26.2% drop.
5. Wood fiberboard: US$51.1 million, with a 17.3% reduction.

The growth in pulp and paper exports has been key to the positive performance of the Biobío Region in the last quarter of 2024, partially offsetting the decline in other forestry products. China's consolidation as the main market and recovery in other destinations suggest a stable outlook for the sector in the near future.