Forestry industry consolidates exports with higher value-added products and new markets

Paraguay's forest industry is solidifying its growth, with exports reaching US$48.1 million in the first half of 2026, marking a 10.8% increase in value and a 3.6% rise in volume compared to the previous year. This expansion is driven by a shift towards greater industrialization and the production of higher value-added products, enabling access to more competitive international markets.

According to data from the National Forestry Institute (Infona), charcoal and its derivatives continue to lead the sector's shipments. Key export destinations include the United Kingdom, the United States, and Brazil. Cristina Goralewski, president of Infona, highlighted that Paraguay has transitioned from exporting raw timber to developing a processing industry capable of offering more refined products at better prices globally.

"Today, we are exporting more value-added products at better prices and to more demanding markets," Goralewski stated. She noted that countries like the UK, US, and Chile, despite having their own significant forest industries, are increasingly importing Paraguayan products. This growth also generates substantial socioeconomic impact by creating jobs and fostering forest production development across various regions of the country.

Minister of Environment and Sustainable Development Rolando de Barros emphasized that the forest sector is a key driver of Paraguay's economic, social, and environmental development. He pointed out that while agriculture and livestock have historically underpinned the Paraguayan economy, the forest industry is now demonstrating sustained growth and significant expansion potential, becoming a new pillar of support for families and the national economy.

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Today, we are exporting more value-added products at better prices and to more demanding markets.