BRASÍLIA: Brazilian exports of processed wood products continue to grow as manufacturers actively seek new markets as domestic demand is poor. The export drive has been helped by the appreciation of the US dollar. Between January and September, exports increased 22% compared to the same period in 2014. This was the largest increase recorded since 2008, according to ABIMCI.
The new emphasis on exports can be gauged by the proportion of total production that is exported. In the plywood industry, for example, about 55% of processed wood was exported in the first half of 2014.
In the same period in 2015, processed wood exports were around 60% of total production. For sawnwood the estimated increase was from 12% to 15%. Up to September this year sawnwood exports have increased by over 30% year on year.
Despite the positive performance in international trade profitability in the sector remains flat. The sharp rise in production costs as energy prices rise, wages are driven up and interest rates continue to climb is having a negative impact on profits.
