The Forest Sector
The forest sector is a strategic pillar of the national economy, with significant impact on gross domestic product, employment, exports, and sustainable territorial development.
This relevance is sustained by steady expansion of forest assets over the last three decades. The most significant initial boost occurred between 1990 and 2000, a period in which planted area tripled, rising from 178,925 hectares to nearly 600,000 hectares.
The growth trend remained constant in the following decade and consolidated by 2020, the year the sector surpassed the symbolic barrier of one million hectares (registering an accumulated total exceeding 1.16 million hectares). According to data from the General Forestry Directorate (MGAP, 2024), currently 6.6% of the national agricultural land is dedicated to forestry.
Economic contribution of the sector
Key economic indicators of the forest sector in 2024.
The direct added value of the sector reaches US$ 2.730 billion, consolidating its relevance within the country's productive structure.
Forest exports total US$ 3.000 billion, representing 23% of total goods exported.
Employment, wages, and taxes
Impact of the forest sector on the labor market and tax collection.
Gross remuneration in the sector amounts to US$ 1.250 billion, reflecting its contribution to household income.
Total fiscal contribution reaches US$ 715 million, of which US$ 340 million corresponds to direct impact.
Productivity and sectoral competitiveness
Indicators highlighting the economic efficiency of the forest sector compared to other agro-industrial sectors.
The forest sector generates 42 jobs per thousand hectares, which equals one job for every 23 hectares, mainly in activities combining silviculture, industry, logistics, and services. These are, for the most part, stable jobs, with formality levels above the national average, and with training opportunities and capacity development in the territories where the supply chain operates.
