Roundwood coniferous market in Chile

Earlier Report Observations

The market volume for coniferous roundwood in Chile declined from over 34 000 m³ in 2018 to around 28 000 m³ by 2023. This downward trend was initially shaped by global trade tensions, notably the U.S.-China trade war, which reduced export opportunities for Chilean wood products and indirectly affected domestic roundwood consumption. The COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 further constrained the market, as border closures and sanitary protocols disrupted supply chains, creating log shortages and lowering production.

A temporary recovery occurred in 2021, driven by historically high global demand for lumber used in home renovations and construction, particularly in the United States, which increased the need for roundwood as raw material. Subsequently, from mid-2022 onward, uncertainty returned and market volume contracted again. A sustained slowdown in the domestic construction sector reduced demand for forest products, while industry efforts to promote wood in construction and the emergence of new processing actors provided only partial counterbalance to the overall decline.

Production coniferous roundwood in Chile

In kind, 2018-2021, K m³

Chile ranked 11th globally in roundwood coniferous production from 2018 to 2021.

Top producers of coniferous roundwood, 2018-2021

World map of production of coniferous roundwood, 2018-2021

Following two years of decline, Chile's roundwood coniferous production rebounded in 2021. The country produced 32 333 K m³ that year, marking a 4.8% increase from 2020. Over the 2018-2021 period, overall production fell by 6.5%, with an average annual decline of 2.2%. The lowest output was recorded in 2020 at 30 846 K m³, while the sharpest drop occurred in 2019 with a 5.6% decrease.

Annual dynamics of production in Chile in kind, 2018-2021, K m³

In value, 2018-2021, M $ US

After two consecutive years of decline, Chile's roundwood coniferous production value rose in 2021. Output was valued at 2 531 M $ US, representing a 7.8% increase compared to 2020. From 2018 to 2021, the production value decreased by 5.8%, translating to an average annual decline of 2.0%. The lowest value was recorded in 2020 at 2 348 M $ US, with the most significant drop also occurring that year at 10.8%.

Annual dynamics of production in Chile in value, 2018-2021, M $ US

Exports coniferous roundwood from Chile

Exports in kind, K m³

Chile exported 353.0 K m³ of roundwood coniferous in 2021, a 16.9% increase from the previous year. However, over the 2018-2021 period, exports declined by 20.7%, with an average annual decrease of 7.5%. The lowest export volume was in 2020 at 302.0 K m³, while the peak occurred in 2019 at 476.9 K m³. The most substantial decline was recorded in 2020, falling by 36.7%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Chile in kind, 2018-2021, K m³

From 2018 to 2021, China dominated Chile's roundwood coniferous exports in volume, accounting for 87.0% of total flows, with the remainder distributed among other trading partners.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's exports from Chile in kind, 2018-2021

Exports in value, K $ US

In 2021, Chile's roundwood coniferous export value reached 27 634 K $ US, showing a strong 20.2% year-over-year increase. Despite this, exports decreased by 20.1% over the 2018-2021 period, averaging an annual decline of 7.2%. The lowest value was in 2020 at 22 987 K $ US, while the highest was in 2019 at 38 447 K $ US. The sharpest drop occurred in 2020, with a 40.2% decrease.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Chile in value, 2018-2021, K $ US

From 2018 to 2021, China, Peru, and Ghana consistently led Chile's roundwood coniferous export structure in value terms. China accounted for 64.5% of exports, Peru for 14.3%, and Ghana for 8.2%, together making up 87.1% of total flows.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's exports from Chile in value, 2018-2021

Imports coniferous roundwood to Chile

Imports in kind, K m³

The market showed an unstable trend during this period. Imports reached their lowest point in 2020 at 0.0 K m³ and peaked in 2019, with a 27-fold difference between these years. In 2021, imports remained at 0.0 K m³, similar to the previous year. The largest decline was recorded in 2020, falling by 96.3%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Chile in kind, 2018-2021, K m³

From 2018 to 2021, the United States was the leading source for Chile's roundwood coniferous imports in volume, representing 20.7% of total flows.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's imports to Chile in kind, 2018-2021

Imports in value, K $ US

The market exhibited volatility over the observed period. Imports hit their lowest point in 2020 at 0.3 K $ US and peaked in 2019, with a 72-fold variation between these years. In 2021, import value rose to 1 K $ US, a 132.3% increase from the previous year. The most significant decline occurred in 2020, dropping by 98.6%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Chile in value, 2018-2021, K $ US

From 2018 to 2021, the United States was the primary source for Chile's roundwood coniferous imports in value terms, accounting for 71.3% of total flows.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's imports to Chile in value, 2018-2021