Forest exports fall 15% this year amid lower demand and declining product prices

Chilean forest exports totaled US$2,254.1 million between January and May 2026, a 15.4% annual decrease, according to figures from the Forest Institute (Infor).

The entity explained that this result "reflects a complex international context for the sector, marked by lower demand and a drop in prices of some main products, especially pulps, boards, and wood moldings."

The Minister of Agriculture, Jaime Campos, stated that "we are facing a demanding international scenario, but we have a sector that has demonstrated adaptability and a significant contribution to the country's economic and territorial development. Our challenge is to continue promoting innovation, market diversification, and the strengthening of small and medium-sized forest enterprises."

China continued to be the main destination for Chilean forest shipments, concentrating US$932 million in the first five months of 2026, but with a 6.1% annual decline. It was followed by the United States, with purchases of US$366.5 million, a drop of nearly 24% over the same period.

Infor's Executive Director, Gabriel Valenzuela, agreed, noting that "we observe a challenging international scenario, particularly due to the drop in prices of strategic products."

Corma concerned about tariffs in the U.S.

Rodrigo O'Ryan, president of the Chilean Wood Corporation (Corma), expects to travel to the United States this week along with other export trade associations —led by Sofofa— where he hopes to defend the sector from the application of new tariffs.

"Corma travels to Washington to clearly state that the Chilean forest sector should not be subject to tariffs for forced labor under Section 301. There is no finding or evidence of forced labor in our industry, which operates under recognized international certifications." He added that "these tariffs also harm Americans themselves: they make their construction materials more expensive, affect pension funds with investments in Chilean forests, and penalize a strategic partner with more than two centuries of commercial relations with the United States. We travel with solid arguments and a constructive spirit, hoping that our partner will listen to us and maintain the conditions of the current free trade agreement."

Source:El Mercurio