In 2024, Peru experienced an unprecedented decline in its forest exports, which dropped to a historical low of USD 85 million. This figure represents a significant 15.8% decrease compared to the previous year, marking a concerning trend for the country's economy. The downturn in the forest export sector raises important questions about the current strategies and future potential of Peru's forest resources.
Comparatively, the forest export figures for 2024 were discouragingly lower than even those recorded in 2020, during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, when exports stood at USD 94 million. This drop suggests a deeper structural issue within the sector that extends beyond the impacts of global crises. The inability to recover to pre-pandemic levels indicates underlying weaknesses in the ways Peru has managed its forest resources and export activities.
The Association of Exporters (ADEX) has been vocal in attributing this steep decline to a lack of effective promotional strategies and policies tailored to leverage and sustainably exploit Peru's forest resources. The absence of innovative approaches to forest management, combined with ineffective marketing strategies, has left the industry lagging significantly behind its potential. The failure to tap into the growing global market for sustainable forest products is leaving Peru's forest export sector in a vulnerable position amid increased competition.
Interestingly, despite the downturn, reports suggest that the decline might have been even more severe without the intervention of France. France's active participation in purchasing Peruvian forest products played a crucial role in cushioning the fall, showcasing the importance of international partnerships in maintaining export stability. Such international collaborations could serve as a model for Peru in developing resilient strategies to better navigate similar crises in the future.
Contrasting Peru's struggles, Chile emerged as a notable example of success in the area of forest and wood furniture exports. Despite lacking an Amazon forest, Chile achieved remarkable export performance in 2024, with exports reaching approximately USD 2.356 billion - a 4.8% increase. This data emphasizes the effectiveness of Chile's strategies in developing and marketing its forest products, allowing it to successfully compete in the global market.
The core of Chile's success appears to lie in its diversified export portfolio, including sawn wood, plywood, fiberboard, and profiled wood. By capitalizing on a wide range of products, Chile effectively meets global demand while also promoting its industry as a reliable source of quality forest products. This success underscores the need for Peru to broaden its approach and explore diverse possibilities within its own forest product markets.
The current situation signals an urgent need for Peru to review and revamp its policies related to forest resource management and exports. The evident gap between current capabilities and potential highlights the necessity for a redefined strategy that would not only stabilize the declining trend but also propel Peru onto a path of sustainable and competitive growth in the global market. Adopting comprehensive promotional strategies, tapping into new technologies for resource management, and fostering robust international partnerships could aid in revitalizing Peru's forest export industry.
Moreover, there's an opportunity for Peru to innovate and focus on sustainable practices that align with global environmental goals. Developing an international image centered around sustainable and eco-friendly forest management could open new doors to markets increasingly concerned with environmental impacts. By engaging stakeholders at all levels-from policy makers to grassroots organizations-Peru can reshape its forest export narrative and harness the full potential of its rich forest resources.
To remain relevant and competitive, Peru must not only address the immediate issues of declining exports but also lay down a foundation for long-term growth and sustainability. The lessons from countries like France and Chile demonstrate the importance of strategic partnerships and diversification in achieving export growth, principles that could well be applied to Peru's advantage.
