The production of wood chips, wood particles, and wood residues in South America stood at 54.178 million cubic meters in 2023. Over the past decade, the industry saw notable fluctuations, with significant growth periods like 2015 and 2016, and periods of decline such as 2019 and 2020. The annual growth rate was erratic, averaging at a CAGR of 2.63% from 2013 to 2017, reflecting robust early growth, and then dropping to a negative CAGR of -0.12% between 2018 and 2023 due to various market conditions and global events.
Year-on-year variation for the last two years showed a moderate rebound with 4.84% growth in 2023. Looking forward, forecasts indicate a steady growth trend. The production is expected to grow from 56.523 million cubic meters in 2024 to 65.668 million cubic meters in 2028. This translates to a forecasted 5-year CAGR of 3.04% and a total growth rate of 16.18% over the period.
Future trends to watch for in this sector include:
- Increasing demand for renewable energy sources.
- Technological advancements in wood processing.
- Sustainability initiatives and regulations impacting production and export.
- Economic and geopolitical factors affecting trade policies and market access.