Paraguay Forestry Exports Rise 9% in Value Driven by Industrialized Goods

Paraguay's forestry sector is experiencing a dynamic export performance, with overall value increasing by 9% and volume by 4.6% in the first five months of the year compared to the previous period. This growth is largely attributed to a greater diversification and processing of export products.

Industrialized goods are leading the charge. Plywood exports, in particular, saw a substantial rise of 15.5% in volume and 17.7% in value, reaching US$11.28 million. This shift towards value-added products signifies a strategic evolution for the sector.

While plywood shines, charcoal and briquettes continue to be the primary export items, also showing strong performance with an 8% volume increase and a significant 35% value jump to US$19.22 million. Other products like posts and stakes also experienced notable growth in both volume and value, driven by demand and favorable international prices.

Despite the overall positive trend, some products like sawn timber and wood veneers saw export declines. The sector's exports reach 32 international markets, with the United States and the United Kingdom as the top destinations. Syria has also resumed trade operations with Paraguay since April.

The National Forestry Institute (Infona) highlighted this performance as reaffirming the sector's strategic role in Paraguay's economy and its contribution to sustainable development. The trend indicates a move towards more processed goods, strengthening Paraguay's position in the global market.