Paraguay's timber industry prepares to receive about 20 business delegations from Sweden, Chile, and Japan at Expo Madeira Paraguay 2026, scheduled for September 10-12 at the Paraguayan Olympic Committee in Asunción. The information was confirmed by the Paraguayan Federation of Timber Producers (Fepama), the event organizer.
The Swedish trade mission will include more than ten companies in heavy machinery, forest technology, and logistics. From Chile, seven companies will bring services and innovation to the sector, while Japan confirmed the participation of two companies through its embassy, which are expected to meet with Fepama leaders.
The international interest coincides with a period of growth in the sector's exports. Data from the National Forest Institute (Infona) show that between January and July 2026, the country exported 105,219 tons of forest products, generating $60.08 million in revenue. The volume represents a 2.5% increase and the value an 11% rise compared to the same period in 2025.
Charcoal and briquettes lead foreign sales, with 66,583 tons and $31.24 million, followed by plywood, which reached 20,583 tons and $17.84 million. Higher value-added products, such as poles, woodworking pieces, and tableware, also showed significant growth, indicating a diversification of the export portfolio.
Diego Puente, president of Fepama, stated that the current challenge is to transform raw materials within the country and market higher value-added products. The fair serves as a strategic platform to attract investment in technology, infrastructure, and financing adapted to the forest cycle.
The Paraguayan forest sector covers 44% of the national territory, with about eight million hectares considered suitable for plantations and industrial projects. The projection is that new areas in the harvest phase will demand even more industrialization in the coming years.