According to data from the Export Association of Peru (ADEX), wood sector exports from January – November 2009 were of US$135.09 million FOB, down 33.6% on the same period in 2008.

The three main export markets were China, Mexico and the United States, accounting for over 80% exports of wood products. The New Zealand market was significant in 2009 taking volumes of railway ties. On the other hand, the Mexican market remained subdued and imports from Peru fell over 60% and no exports of mouldings were recorded in 2009.

Peru’s export data up to November 2009 shows the weakening of Canadian demand (-65%) and a similar picture emerged for the Hong Kong market which fell 38% in 2009. Semi-manufactured products accounted for 42% of exports from January to November 2009 and were worth US$56.38 million FOB compared to US$63.44 million FOB for 2008 (-11%). The main market for semi-finished wood products was China represents 77% of the total. Chinese imports from Peru grew almost 50% in 2009.

Sawnwood represented the second major wood product export item in 2009. The value of exports of sawnwood January – November 2009 was US $ 49.29 million FOB down 46% on a year earlier. The main market for sawnwood from Peru was China which took around 34% of the total sawnwood exports. The value of veneer and plywood exports up to November 2009 stood at US$13.67 million FOB but this was down 47% on a year earlier.

The main destination for veneer and plywood from Peru was Mexico (83% of total product exports). Mexican imports from Peru were affected by weak demand in the US for processed products and consequently Mexico’s imports from Peru declined. The exports of furniture and parts up to November 2009 were worth US$6.74 million FOB compared to US$11.81 million FOB in 2008 and this represents a fall 43%. The main market for exports in this sub-sector is the United States, accounting for 49% of all furniture and parts exports but up to November 2009 US imports had dropped 53%.