Wood in the rough market in Brazil

Earlier Report Observations

After reaching 182.9 million t in 2018, the market volume declined to 171.0 million t in 2019. This drop was associated with an excess supply of smaller-diameter logs relative to demand and a general imbalance between supply and demand in the plantation forest regions, which kept real prices from rising. The market rebounded in 2020 to 178.6 million t as economic recovery and increased activity in construction and furniture replacement spurred demand for logs. Additionally, the opening of new agricultural frontiers in timber extraction areas contributed to higher supply.

Growth continued through 2021, with the market reaching 187.6 million t, supported by sustained high extraction rates and investments in reforestation to ensure future supply. In 2022, production from planted forests hit a record, pushing the market volume to 201.8 million t. This surge was fueled by expanded plantation area, strong demand from the steel and pulp sectors in Minas Gerais, and a postponement of export restrictions on native wood species. New regulations on log transport and heightened pressure for timber origin verification also shaped market conditions. By 2023, the market stabilized at 204.0 million t, with a slight increase as the value of primary forest production rose, even as timber exports from Pará fell sharply.

Production wood in the rough in Brazil

In kind, 2018-2021, M t

From 2018 to 2021, Brazil held the fourth position globally in the production of wood in the rough.

Top producers of wood in the rough, 2018-2021

World map of production of wood in the rough, 2018-2021

Brazil's production of wood in the rough grew for the second year in a row. In 2021, the country produced 190.2 million tonnes, marking a moderate increase of 5.7% compared to the previous year. Over the 2018-2021 period, production rose by 3.7%, with an average annual growth rate of 1.2%. The lowest production level was in 2019 at 172.0 million tonnes, which saw the largest decline of 6.2%.

Annual dynamics of production in Brazil in kind, 2018-2021, M t

Exports wood in the rough from Brazil

Exports in kind, K t

Brazil's exports of wood in the rough increased for the third consecutive year. In 2021, exports reached 2,616 thousand tonnes, a significant jump of 91.2% year-over-year. Between 2018 and 2021, exports surged by 483.9%, translating to an annualized growth rate of 80.1%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Brazil in kind, 2018-2021, K t

From 2018 to 2021, Brazil's exports in kind were highly concentrated, with China and Portugal together accounting for 84.1% of total flows, while other partners made up the remainder.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

Brazil's exports of wood in the rough in value terms grew for the third year running. In 2021, exports totaled 222.1 million US dollars, representing a 91.8% increase from the previous year. Over the 2018-2021 period, exports rose by 253.7%, with a compound annual growth rate of 52.4%.

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

During 2018-2021, the three largest markets—China, India, and Portugal—were central to Brazil's exports in value terms, collectively making up 90.4% of total flows.

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

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

Imports wood in the rough to Brazil

Imports in kind, K t

Following a two-year decline, Brazil's imports of wood in the rough rebounded. In 2021, imports stood at 14 thousand tonnes, a 46.2% increase compared to the previous year. The lowest import level was in 2020 at 10 thousand tonnes, with the largest drop occurring in 2019 at 25.4%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Brazil in kind, 2018-2021, K t

From 2018 to 2021, Bolivia was the dominant source for Brazil's imports in kind, capturing 87.5% of total flows, while other countries accounted for the rest.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

After a two-year decrease, Brazil's imports of wood in the rough in value terms increased. In 2021, imports totaled 0.8 million US dollars, a sharp rise of 32.5% over the previous year. Between 2018 and 2021, imports fell by 21.8%, equating to an annualized decline of 7.9%. The lowest value was recorded in 2020 at 0.6 million US dollars, with the steepest drop in 2019 at 39.5%.

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

Over 2018-2021, Bolivia and Paraguay together accounted for 86.9% of Brazil's total imports in value terms, with the remaining flows distributed thinly across other markets.

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

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