BRASÍLIA: The timber sector in Amazonas State, Brazil, has recorded significant growth in revenues this year as exports have pick-up. In the first two months of 2016, exports were worth R$ 8.86 million ($2.6 million) compared to the R$ 4.47 million ($2.6 million) earned in the same period last year, according to the Superintendent of the Manaus Free Zone (SUFRAMA).
Although the figures presented by SUFRAMA are encouraging the timber sector faces problems. According to the Union of Plywood and Veneer Timber Industries in Amazonas State, some 12 companies in the region ceased operations mainly due to a lack of raw materials and financing. There is a strong demand for wood products in the region from the construction sector and from furniture manufacturers and this puts a strain on raw material supplies.
It has been recognised that there is a need to promote forest production if the industry is to meet domestic demand and expand exports. The State Secretariat for Planning, Development, Science, Technology and Information (SEPLAN-CTI) has established a technical group to look into opportunities for expanding raw material supplies and an expansion of production.
