The Chilean forestry sector faces a complex scenario at the start of 2026, after closing 2025 with an annual contraction of 7% in its exports. According to data from the Forestry Institute (Infor), the downward trend not only persists but shows discouraging signs in the first months of the year.
According to the report, between January and February 2026, forest exports failed to replicate the performance of the same period last year, when a record of US$ 1,064.7 million was reached. On this occasion, most products experienced declines, both in value and volume.
Among the few exceptions are eucalyptus textile pulp, which registered an increase of 71.6%, and radiata pine MDF boards, with a 26.9% increase in their exported value.
The main factor behind this setback is the widespread decline in international prices of forest products, coupled with a drop in shipped volumes. This situation is partly due to lower global demand and logistical difficulties in maritime transport.
Added to this are geopolitical factors that generate uncertainty in the markets. Various economists warn that the conflict between Israel, the United States, and Iran could intensify these difficulties, further affecting international trade.
In perspective, historical data show fluctuating behavior over the last decade. After a peak in 2018 and 2019, exports fell significantly in 2020, only to partially recover in subsequent years. However, the decline recorded in 2025 and the weak start of 2026 reflect a challenging scenario for the sector.
The performance in the coming months will be key to determining whether the industry manages to stabilize or, on the contrary, a downward trend consolidates in one of the most relevant sectors of Chilean exports.
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