A discussion on tracking and monitoring the origin and movement of forest products and the relationship between entrepreneurs and the various Brazilian inspection agencies was recently arranged by the Pará State Federation of Industries (FIEPA). The meeting brought together representatives of the Brazilian Institute of Environment and Renewable Natural Resources (IBAMA), the State Secretariat of the Environment (SEMA), forestry companies who are associated with the Timber Exporter Industries Association of Pará State (AIMEX) and the Union of Veneer and Plywood Industry (SINDIMAD).

During the meeting, IBAMA outlined the Brazilian Forest Tracking System which provides a means to verify the origin of logs. Through the system it is possible to monitor forest concession output and production. The system also provides a means to assess social, environmental and economic impacts and to ensure the protection and integrity of public forests. FIEPA pointed out that the commitment to develop enforcement mechanisms should be matched by efforts to improve the profitability and long term feasibility of timber production.

In response IBAMA explained that it is working with SEMA to ensure that companies that have been audited will not be hampered in conducting their businesses. IBAMA said that in the first phase of audits the agency will only notify companies of where changes are required and guide them in making adjustments.

Rio Grande do Sul loses top spot as furniture exporter
The state of Rio Grande do Sul had been leading Brazilian furniture exports since August 2012. However, in February 2013 the value of furniture exports manufactured in Rio Grande do Sul slipped to second place behind the state of Santa Catarina. In January 2013, Rio Grande do Sul was at the top of the list of exporters shipping US$11,858,942 equivalent to a 26.6% share of all furniture exports. However, in February exports from Rio Grande do Sul were US$ 25,937,834, equivalent to 27.3% of all exports while exports from companies in Santa Catarina were US$ 26,982,822.

In February, the main markets for furniture from Rio Grande do Sul were Uruguay, (US$ 3,062,527) followed by the United Kingdom, Peru, Chile and Colombia. Exports to Colombia increased by around 50% in February to US$ 1,809,057 according to the Foreign Trade Secretariat (Secex) of the Ministry of Development, Industry and Foreign Trade (MDIC).

At the national level the value of furniture exports in February increased to US$97,407,580 compared to US$44,562,856 reported in January. But in comparison with February 2012, there was a 4% decline in export sales. The only state that registered a growth in exports compared to last year was Paraná state where exports grew 9.3% to US$ 16,906,758. Argentina remains the main market for Brazilian furniture followed by the United States and the United Kingdom.

Dynamic and flexible forestry sector overcomes global crisis
An analysis in March 2013 by the Center for Forest Intelligence notes the remarkable dynamism of the Brazilian timber sector as demonstrated by its response to the global economic crisis of 2008 and subsequent successes. The analysis also looks at the trade balance in wood products and notes that in February 2013 exports of wood and wood products were US$ 151.8 million, a 7.9% increase over the previous month. On the other hand, imports of wood products in February 2013 were US$ 10.85 million, a 24.5% decline compared to January.

In the first two months of 2013 wood product exports totalled US$ 292 million, a 1.4% increase compared to the same period in 2012. Wood product imports in the same period totalled US$ 25 million, 13% below the same period in 2012. The accumulated trade balance for 2013 is reported as US$ 267 million, 3% higher than the same period of 2012. Today, Brazil’s exports of wood products account for around 2.5% of the world trade in forest products.

Initial assessment suggest big jump in Amazon deforestation
According to the National Institute for Space Research (INPE), 78 percent of deforestation in the Brazilian Amazon occurs in the state of Mato Grosso. Data suggest that out of 615.4 sq. km of deforestation in the Amazon some 319.83 sq. Km occurred in Mato Grosso. Preliminary figures suggest that deforestation in the Amazon increased 26.5% in 2012 compared with 2011. However, the Institute of Environment and Renewable Natural Resources (IBAMA), says the extent of deforestation in the Amazon cannot be confirmed because the system used to assess deforestation, the Real Time Deforestation Detection System, includes “forest degradation”.

IBAMA has advised that only when the results of the PRODES (Program to Calculate Deforestation in the Amazon) become available in July will it be possible to have an accurate assessment of deforestation.
The last PRODES survey conducted from August 2011 to July 2012 reported that 4656 km² were deforested in the Amazon.


Domestic Log Prices

 Sawnwood Prices

 Veneer Prices

 Plywood Prices

Export Prices For Other Panel Products

Export Prices For Added Value Products