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Forestry exports decrease 33.8% in February in Los Ríos

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Exports from the Los Ríos Region reached US$46.4 million during February 2025, representing a 33.8% drop compared to the same month the previous year. This was revealed in the latest report from the National Statistics Institute (INE), which showed a sustained decline in the area's main productive sectors.

The report details that the industrial sector—historically the engine of regional exports—was the hardest hit, with a year-on-year decrease of 45.4%. This decline is largely explained by the drop in shipments of forestry products and derivatives from pulp, paper, and cardboard manufacturing, a flagship sector in Los Ríos' economy.

The decline in this sector not only affects the trade balance but also raises alarms regarding employment and the sustainability of the regional production model, which is highly dependent on forestry raw materials. Industry voices warn that the decrease in international demand, coupled with logistical and environmental factors, is creating a complex scenario for businesses in the sector.

The agricultural and forestry sector also experienced a decline, though more moderate, with a 10.4% drop compared to February 2024. Within this area, fruit farming remained the most significant activity, despite logistical and climatic challenges that affected some harvests.

Main destinations: America and Asia

Regarding the destination of regional products, the American continent continues to lead with 53.8% of total exports, highlighting the United States and Brazil as the main trading partners. Asia, meanwhile, accounted for 29.8% of shipments, with South Korea and Thailand as key recipients of local exports.

Europe and Oceania completed the picture, though with a significantly smaller share, reinforcing the concentration of regional foreign trade in two major economic blocs.

A declining national share

Nationally, the Los Ríos Region's share of the country's total exports also showed a decline. While in February 2024 it represented 0.9% of the total, this year the figure dropped to 0.6%, marking a concerning trend that calls for reflection on the need to diversify the production matrix and strengthen regional competitiveness.

Experts agree that while part of the decline can be attributed to temporary factors such as the global slowdown or international trade conflicts, there is also an urgent need to modernize and add value to the region's exportable offerings by incorporating more innovation, sustainability, and access to new markets.