In May 2013 the value of wood products exports (except pulp and paper) increased 8.8% compared to levels in May 2012, rising from US$204.1 million to US$ 222.0 million.

The value of pine sawnwood exports fell 14.9% in May 2013 compared to May 2012, from US$14.1 million to US$12.0 million. In terms of volume, exports declined 17.7%, from 64,500 cu.m to 53,100 cu.m in the same period.

Exports of tropical sawnwood increased 3.0% in May from 33,200 cu.m in May 2012 to 34,200 cu.m in May this year. The value of tropical sawnwood exports rose 4.3% from US$16.2 million in May 2012 to US$16.9 million this year.

Pine plywood exports increased 13.6% in value in May 2013 compared to May 2012, from US$35.9 million to US$40.8 million. The volume of pine plywood exports also increased (14.7%) from 91,300 cu.m to 104,700 cu.m. over the same period.

On the other hand, tropical plywood exports which are now very small, fell 9.4% from 5,300 cu.m in May 2012 to 4,800 cu.m in May 2013.

The value of exports of tropical plywood dropped 19.4%, from US$3.6 million in May 2012 to US$2.9 million in May 2013.

A 4.4% increase in wooden furniture exports was recorded in May 2013 compared to the same period in 2012. Exports rose from US$41.0 million in May 2012 to US$42.8 million in May this year.

Brazilian furniture does well in Dubai fair

Eight Brazilian companies participated in the’ Index Dubai 2013’ fair, which took place on 20 – 23 May.

During the event, orders worth around US$800,000 were attracted and the value of prospective business for the next 12 months was put at US$2.2 million. ‘Index Dubai 2013’ attracted more than 800 exhibitors from 47 countries and more than 20,000 visitors.

Participation in trade fairs in Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates has enabled Brazilian businesses to generate significant income.
Reports suggest that between January and March this year these countries invested US$3.3 billion in their residential housing sector which provides a great opportunity for wood product exporters.

Strengthening sustainable forest management

A conference on Forests for Future Generations was held in mid-June in Berlin, Germany. The discussions focused on public and private responsibility for sustainability, initiatives to support forest management and responsible trade by countries that produce, process and buy tropical wood or wood products.

The meeting brought together about 100 participants, including government officials, representatives of industry and civil society and the Brazilian Forest Service participated.

The main themes discussed included promotion of sustainable forest management in tropical regions, the expansion of the scope of legal and sustainable forest products, possible partnerships among the public sector, civil society and the private sector, the awareness of consumers and influence of buyers and civil society on actions for government decisions.