Latvia's forestry sector sees shift in export product mix
In the first half of 2026, energy wood and plywood exports gained importance for Latvia's forestry sector, while revenue from timber and furniture exports declined, Agriculture Ministry data show.
Data compiled by Latvia's Agriculture Ministry, based on figures from the Central Statistical Bureau, show that the structure of forestry sector exports has shifted in the first half of this year. Higher export revenues came from energy wood, particularly wood pellets, as well as from plywood, veneer and charcoal sold abroad. Meanwhile, revenue from exports of sawn timber, wood-chip boards and furniture declined.
Overall, the sector's export revenue fell by roughly 26 million euros this year. At the same time, imports of forestry products also decreased, from 529.73 million euros last year to 522.62 million euros this year.
Industry assessment
Kristaps Klauss, vice-president of the Latvian Federation of Wood Industries, said that over the past three years the sector's export revenues have generally remained at a similar level, even as the mix of exported goods keeps shifting. He noted that recent years have brought changes not only in the geopolitical situation but also in its side effects, which have significantly affected both demand and potential buyers' ability to purchase the goods and construction works they need.
Klauss stressed that wood processing and further-processing volumes among companies operating in Latvia currently remain stable, with future growth depending on conditions in foreign sales markets. He added that the volumes, prices and resulting revenues from wood product exports are closely tied to the state of the construction sector across Europe and the world, which is not currently showing significant growth.
