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Chilean forestry exports grow 8.8% between January and May driven by pulp and boards

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Between January and May 2025, Chile's forestry exports totaled US$2,663.4 million FOB, marking an 8.8% increase compared to the same period in 2024, according to figures from the Forestry Institute (Infor).

The rise is mainly explained by the dynamism in shipments of chemical pulp and plywood boards.

The most relevant category was chemical pulp, which accounted for 55.7% of the total export value, equivalent to US$1,484 million FOB, with a year-on-year increase of 14.9%. In second place were wood boards, with a 16% rise and sales of US$257.8 million (9.7% of the total). In contrast, the paper and cardboard sector experienced a 7.5% decline, though it maintained an 8.4% share (US$224.8 million).

Regarding destinations, China and the United States accounted for 55.3% of Chile's forestry exports during the period. China led with 37.2%, driven by strong demand for bleached eucalyptus pulp, which grew 37.7% compared to 2024. The United States reached 18.0%, with notable shipments of moldings and plywood boards, both showing increases above 15%. Mexico ranked third, with exports of coated cardstock, sawn wood, and MDF boards, though with a slight year-on-year decline.

This performance confirms the strategic role of the forestry industry in Chile's trade balance, especially in a scenario of recovering international demand for high-value-added products.