Exports from the Biobío Region reached US$346.2 million during April 2026, representing a year-on-year drop of 21.4%. The decline was mainly driven by the industrial sector, where forestry and pulp activities continue to have a decisive weight in the regional economy.
According to the report from the National Institute of Statistics (INE), forestry activity exported US$74.6 million during the month, registering a decrease of 14.4% compared to April 2025. Added to this was a 24.9% drop in the manufacture of pulp, paper, and cardboard, which totaled US$138.6 million and remained the main exporting activity in the region.
Together, pulp, paper, cardboard, and forestry activities accounted for more than 61% of all regional exports, confirming the leadership of the forestry sector in Biobío's export matrix.
Pulp and wood explain much of the decline
Among the main products exported during the month, pulp stood out, with returns of US$132.6 million. However, this product registered a decrease of 26.1% compared to the same period last year, equivalent to US$46.8 million less. Pulp alone represented 38.3% of all regional exports.
Sawn wood, another emblematic product of the forestry sector, reached exports of US$29.4 million, experiencing a drop of 23.1%. Also declining were fiberboard (-19%), wooden doors (-37%), wood profiles and moldings (-12%), and plywood (-4.1%).
Despite the complex scenario, some products showed positive results. Among them, particleboard stood out, increasing 62.5% compared to April 2025.
China remains the main destination
Asia continued to be the main market for Biobío's exports, concentrating 49.5% of regional shipments. China remained the main trading partner, with purchases of US$129 million and a 37.3% share of the region's total exports.
However, shipments to the Asian giant also showed a contraction of 7.3% compared to April last year, reflecting the slowdown observed in some of the main exported forestry products.
Despite the declines recorded in April, the forestry sector continues to be the main export driver of Biobío. The combination of pulp, sawn wood, boards, moldings, and derived products still represents a substantial portion of regional export revenues.
The results, however, reflect the challenges currently facing the forestry industry, marked by lower returns in some international markets and a decrease in exported volumes of key products, a situation that directly impacts a region where forestry activity and the associated industrial chain constitute one of the pillars of the economy and employment.
Comments (0)
No comments yet. Be the first to comment!
Leave a comment