The Sector

The timber industry, whose raw material is plant and managed forests, generates jobs, income, taxes and makes a positive contribution to the trade balance. According to the 2022 Abimci Sectorial Study, which is based on the year 2020, the number of jobs generated by the timber sector was 158,972 jobs. When the entire solid wood industry, which also includes the furniture industry, is computed, the number rises to 334,388 jobs. If the focus is on the forest-based sector as a whole, which includes the wood, furniture, forestry, paper and cellulose industries, this indicator reaches 612,527 jobs.

With regard to the global forest base, the Sectorial Study also shows that currently, the world’s forests occupy 4.0 billion ha (hectares), of which 3.74 billion ha are native (93% of the total) and 291 million are ha (7%) of planted. Brazil has 12% of the world’s total forest cover, or 495 million ha, which corresponds to 60% of our territory. Of this area, 485.4 million ha (98.1%) are native forests and 9.5 million ha (1.9%) are planted forests, mainly with eucalyptus (7.5 mi ha) and pine (1.7 mi ha). These forests are the supply base for the production of the mechanically processed wood industry.

Below results achieved by each product segment:

Lumber from conifers – In 2021, Brazil produced 8.2 million m³ of the product. Since 2015, the country has been gaining more and more space in the international market, having exported more than 3.2 million m³ in 2021. In the last decade, exports have performed well, showing growth over the years, in terms of volumes shipped.

Coniferous plywood – Coniferous plywood is a product that is widely marketed and used in the global market. In terms of production, Brazil is in fourth place in the world ranking. Between 2012 and 2021, the growth of Brazilian annual production has shown a gradual increase, reaching 3.4 million m³ in 2021. The country is the world leader in exports of coniferous plywood, according to the growth observed in the last decade.

The mechanically processed wood products industry plays a significant role in economic and social development in several regions of the country. The gross value of production in the solid wood industry totaled R$ 26.8 billion in 2022. In addition, the segment’s trade balance totaled US$ 3.6 billion, which represents 5.8% of the country’s total.

Hardwood plywood – Hardwood plywood production has maintained some stability since 2014, but compared to the past decade, current production is at a lower level, around 290,000 m³, reached in 2021. Exports have also increased by proportionately over the last few years, with eucalyptus plywood contributing to the export statistics of this product.

Hardwood plywood – Hardwood plywood production has maintained some stability since 2014, but compared to the past decade, current production is at a lower level, around 290,000 m³, reached in 2021. Exports have also increased by proportionately over the last few years, with eucalyptus plywood contributing to the export statistics of this product.

Doors – The national production of wooden doors is more characterized for consumption in the domestic market – in 2021 7.6 million units were produced -, exports of the product have shown progress in recent years, reaching 182.8 thousand in 2021 tons.

Frames – Brazil was, in 2021, the world’s main exporter of wooden frames, responsible for 19% of the value traded in the international market, with the United States being the main import market. In the last decade, national production has remained relatively stable and, in 2021, reached around 980,000 m³.

Floors – Wooden floors reached 7.3 million square meters produced last year. A good part of the production is consumed in the domestic market, but exports have also been relevant for the segment, last year 82.2 thousand tons of the product were exported, with the United States being the main destination for exports.

Pellets – The production of pellets has expanded in Brazil in recent years. Production has expanded, showing recurrent growth, reaching 700 thousand tons in 2021. Currently, part of the production is directed to meet the international demand, however the national demand has grown in recent years and it is estimated that the national consumption of the product has been approximately 357 thousand tons in 2021 (51% of production).