Brazilian tree plantation sector exports US$ 7.5 billion in the first half of 2026

Exports from the Brazilian tree plantation sector—covering trees grown for industrial and restoration purposes—totaled US$ 7.5 billion in the first half of 2026, a 5.9% decrease compared to the same period the previous year. The data appear in the latest edition of Mosaico, a quarterly bulletin produced by Ibá (Brazilian Tree Industry), reflecting a six-month period marked by rising protectionism and disruptions to global supply chains.

Access it here.

Registration for the Ibá Journalism Award is open until October

Entries are now open for the third edition of the Ibá Journalism Award, which recognizes reporting on the tree plantation sector for industrial and restoration purposes.

Eligible entries include stories published between October 1, 2025, and October 1, 2026, in national or international media outlets. The award includes the categories of text, audio, video, and reporting published in a media outlet specialized in covering the sector, in any of the previous formats.

The award, an initiative of the Brazilian Tree Industry (Ibá), is open to journalists and students, provided that the submitted work has been published in professional media outlets. Each author may submit up to three stories.

Ibá concludes second round of videos featuring industry leaders discussing the documentary “New Roots – Future Choices”

Ibá is wrapping up the second series of testimonials from leaders and prominent figures in the tree plantation sector for industrial purposes and native area restoration to highlight the documentary “New Roots – Future Choices” an initiative by Ibá in partnership with Warner Bros. Discovery and Casa Redonda.

In short videos, sector representatives share their views on the production, which presents the trajectory of an industry that combines science, innovation and sustainability to show a Brazil that invests in solutions for the future.

Participants include leaders who help build this story, sharing their pride in being part of an industry that contributes to the economy, environmental conservation and sustainable development. The videos featuring Lennon Neto, from Dexco; Celso Lafer, former Minister of Foreign Affairs and of Development; Luciana Souto, from Smurfit Westrock Brasil; Antonio Joaquim, board member of Dexco and Bracell, and Vice-Chairman of the board of Melhoramentos; and José Penido, founder and member of the Advisory Board of Ibá, are available on Ibá’s YouTube channel.

Watch the testimonials and discover different perspectives on the documentary, available on HBO Max.

Cristián Infante named Latin America CEO of the Year 2026 by Fastmarkets

Fastmarkets, a leading agency for commodity price reporting, news, and market analysis, named Cristián Infante of Arauco as Latin America CEO of the Year 2026 during the annual Fastmarkets Forest Products Latin America Conference, held in Brazil from August 10 to 12.

The recognition is awarded by leading investment analysts and portfolio managers in the region who specialize in the Latin American forestry sector; it takes into account both Arauco’s solid financial performance and its long-term strategic vision amidst a challenging global landscape.

Bracell assumes the presidency of ABAF with a focus on the sustainable development of the forestry sector

Representing the interests of member companies and expanding the dialogue regarding the sustainable development of the planted forest sector in Bahia are among the priorities of economist Fernando Branco—Treasury Manager at Bracell Bahia—who has assumed the presidency of the Board of Directors of the Bahia Association of Forestry-Based Companies (ABAF) for the 2026–2028 term.

With over 20 years of experience in the pulp and paper industry and a decade of service on the association’s Supervisory Board, Branco now leads an organization that brings together companies responsible for one of the state’s most important supply chains—one that drives job creation, income generation, regional development, and environmental conservation.

CMPC receives recognition at the 54th edition of the RS Export Award

CMPC was among the companies recognized at the 54th edition of the RS Export Award in the “Sector Standout – Industry” category. The event drew a large audience, including government officials, business leaders, and guests. Ignacio Lira, CMPC’s Director of Institutional Relations, Communication, and Sustainability, accepted the award on behalf of the company.

With over 90% of the Guaíba unit’s production destined for foreign markets, CMPC’s primary export destinations are the United States, Asia, and Europe. The award recognizes companies from Rio Grande do Sul that contribute to the state’s economic development through their market activities, strategic vision, and export performance.

Employability platform generates R$ 16.9 million in income and connects nearly a thousand people to the job market

In just over two years of operation, Bússola Conecta—a free employability platform created by Bússola Hub and funded by Suzano—has contributed to the hiring of nearly a thousand people in the states of Bahia, Espírito Santo, and Maranhão. In addition to generating over R$ 16.9 million in annual income for the families involved, the initiative has directly impacted more than 2,700 family members and helped over 120 people escape extreme poverty through access to formal employment.

With more than 11,000 registered workers and around 400 participating companies, the platform connects candidates and employers, fostering income generation and productive inclusion in the regions where the company operates. Launched in 2024, the tool was designed to bring together job seekers and companies with open positions, at no cost to either party. Since then, it has recorded nearly 1,000 hires, including 334 in November 2025—the highest monthly volume since its inception.

Veracel’s preserved areas become an outdoor classroom for a forest restoration course

Veracel Celulose’s conservation areas were transformed into an outdoor classroom for environmental restoration professionals and specialists. The company hosted the practical component of a training course titled “Restoration of Atlantic Forest Ecosystems: From Theory to Technique.” The course was organized by IPÊ (Institute for Ecological Research) and the Environmental Leadership & Training Initiative (ELTI) of the Yale School of the Environment, with support from the Dispersar Program of the Brazilian Society for Ecological Restoration (SOBRE).

ABTCP opens free registration for the International Pulp and Paper Exhibition in São Paulo

The Brazilian Technical Association of Pulp and Paper (ABTCP) has opened free registration for visitors to the International Pulp and Paper Exhibition, scheduled for October 6–8 at the Transamerica Expo Center in São Paulo. Advance registration waives the entrance fee and can be completed online.

With over 120 exhibiting companies from various countries already confirmed, the ABTCP Expo 2026 will bring together key players from the pulp and paper supply chain. Exhibitors will include some of the sector’s largest manufacturers, as well as suppliers of technologies, equipment, products, and services, all showcasing innovations and important technical information regarding established brands.

Record shipments of corrugated cardboard underscore industry momentum

The Brazilian corrugated cardboard industry maintained its growth pace in the first half of 2026. According to the Brazilian Corrugated Cardboard Index (IBPO), released by EMPAPEL, shipments of boxes, accessories, and cardboard sheets totaled 355,814 tonnes in June—a volume 5.1% higher than that recorded in the same month last year and the highest ever for a month of June since the data series began in 2005.

For the first half of the year, shipments reached 2.104 million tonnes, representing 3% growth compared to the first six months of 2025. On a quarterly basis, the second quarter saw a 3.4% expansion compared to the same period the previous year, reinforcing the positive trajectory of industrial activity.

Pulp boom multiplies jobs and drives Mato Grosso do Sul’s exports to US$ 3.1 billion

The pulp industry has evolved from a mere prospect into one of Mato Grosso do Sul’s major economic forces. Driven by multi-billion-dollar investments, the expansion of planted forests, and the establishment of large-scale mills, the sector has secured a strategic position in the state economy, boosting employment, exports, and wealth generation at a pace rarely seen in Brazilian industry.

The figures reflect this transformation. Between 2010 and 2025, the total workforce employed in the pulp supply chain surged from 7,004 to 24,430—a 249% increase. In foreign trade, the growth was even more dramatic: export revenue rose from US$ 431.4 million to US$ 3.12 billion, cementing pulp’s status as one of Mato Grosso do Sul’s key products for the international market.

This progress is also evident in industrial performance. The gross value of production climbed from R$ 1.63 billion in 2010 to R$ 20.4 billion in 2024, an expansion of 1,148%. Over the same period, export volume grew from 857,800 tonnes to 6.91 million tonnes, reflecting the significant increase in the state’s installed production capacity.

Keep connected and follow us on social media!