Paraguay Exported 139,789 Tonnes of Forest Products in First Nine Months of 2026
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Paraguay exported 139,789 tonnes of forest products between January and September 2026, according to data from the National Forestry Institute (Infona). Shipments generated USD 80.99 million FOB, representing an 11.4% increase in value compared to the same period in 2025, although the exported volume fell slightly by 1%. The agency attributed the rise in revenue to better sale prices and a greater share of value-added products.
Charcoal and Plywood Lead the Way
Charcoal and briquettes topped forestry exports for the period, totaling USD 43.13 million FOB, a year-on-year increase of 28.6% in value and 3.1% in volume. Plywood also performed well, generating USD 23.92 million FOB, equivalent to growth of 18.8% in revenue and 15% in volume. In contrast, sawn timber fell 22.3% in volume and 43.7% in FOB revenue.
More Than 99% Are Processed Products
Infona President Cristina Goralewski noted that Paraguay is reaching record levels in forestry shipments, particularly in veneer sheets and plywood. She stated that more than 99% of the exported volume corresponds to processed products, while only about 1% leaves the country unprocessed. She explained that the sector's growth is mainly linked to the maturing of forest plantations established in previous years, which are now at the harvesting and industrial processing stage.
Expectations and New Products
Goralewski recalled that in 2025 forestry shipments totaled around USD 100 million and expressed her expectation of surpassing that figure in 2026. She also announced that new products are expected to be added to the export basket, including pulp. The country currently has about 25 wood veneer mills, of which more than 22 already export, with the main destinations for plywood being the United States, the United Kingdom, and European countries such as Estonia, Italy, Portugal, and Spain.
Production Concentration and Quarterly Data
More than 70% of the country's forest plantations are concentrated in a corridor spanning the departments of Concepción, San Pedro, Caazapá, Guairá, and Caaguazú. In the third quarter, July was the month with the highest export volume, with 19,612 tonnes worth USD 11.99 million FOB, while in September shipments generated USD 11.09 million FOB. Infona is also working on a methodology to measure employment generated throughout the forestry value chain, including industries, nurseries, and service companies.
