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Forestry exports close 2024 with growth nearing 15%

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Chilean forestry exports ended 2024 with a strong rebound, reaching a total of US$6,370.7 million, representing a 14.7% increase compared to the previous year, when shipments totaled US$5,556.2 million. This growth is attributed to the recovery in international demand and increased sales of key products such as chemical pulp and sawn wood.

According to data from the Forestry Institute (INFOR) of the Ministry of Agriculture, the sector's dynamism was particularly evident in the second half of the year, with sustained growth peaking in October at US$664.4 million, followed by December (US$603.9 million) and August (US$573.2 million). In contrast, May recorded the lowest shipments, totaling US$400.6 million.

Regarding this, the Minister of Agriculture, Esteban Valenzuela, explained that while the figures represent a strong year-end, "the Chilean forestry sector faces a scenario of moderate growth, influenced by various external and internal factors. Among the main challenges are the threat of wildfires, which could affect raw material availability, and stricter environmental regulations in key markets like Europe and North America, which will demand higher sustainability standards in the industry." He added, "Furthermore, global trade volatility, driven by trade tensions between China and the U.S., inflation, and a potential global economic slowdown, could create demand uncertainty."

Chemical pulp and sawn wood lead exports

Continuing the 2024 analysis, the main export product group was chemical pulp, accounting for 52.4% of the national total, with shipments worth US$3,336.4 million. Within this category, bleached eucalyptus pulp led with 47.2%, followed by bleached radiata pine pulp (34.5%) and eucalyptus textile pulp (12.3%).

Other notable product groups in foreign trade were wood panels (10.4% of the national total), paper and cardboard (9.3%), sawn wood (7.5%), and wood moldings (7.5%).

Among the most exported products, besides chemical pulp, radiata pine sawn timber stood out with shipments of US$473.7 million, equivalent to 7.4% of the total, followed by radiata pine plywood (6.8%) and coated multilayer cardboard (5.9%).

China and the U.S., the top destination markets

China solidified its position as the top destination for Chilean forestry exports, with purchases worth US$2,284.4 million, accounting for 35.9% of the total. Most of these shipments corresponded to chemical pulp products, while the U.S. ranked second (18.5%), with a stronger presence of moldings and panels. Other relevant markets included Mexico (6.4%), South Korea (4.6%), and Japan (3.7%).

2025 Outlook

Based on the figures, INFOR's executive director, Sandra Gacitúa, outlined key challenges for the forestry sector: "The growth in forestry exports in 2024 confirms Chile's competitiveness in this field. However, in 2025, we must strengthen sustainability and market diversification to consolidate our position in global trade."

She added that the forestry sector remains a strategic pillar for Chile's economy, significantly contributing to foreign trade and generating employment across various regions. "Its ability to adapt to new environmental and trade standards will determine its performance in the coming years," she concluded.