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Mozambique’s exports of processed timber increased by 311% in the first half of 2026, reaching 24,648 cubic metres, compared with 5,995 cubic metres recorded during the same period last year, according to Government data.
China, Mauritius, Vietnam and South Africa were among the main destinations for processed timber exported by Mozambique between January and June, with Asian markets playing a particularly important role.
According to the first-half implementation report, the sharp increase in exports was driven by the inclusion of veneers, logs and plywood, products that had recorded no external sales during the same period in 2025.
“The growth is explained by the fact that veneers, logs and plywood were also exported, which was not the case during the same period in 2025,” the report states.
Veneers made the largest contribution to the increase, with exports reaching 22,460 cubic metres, after recording no export volume in the first half of 2025.
Mozambique also exported 683 cubic metres of plywood and 150 cubic metres of logs.
Despite the overall increase, some categories recorded significant declines. Exports of sawn timber fell by 80%, from 5,513 to 1,119 cubic metres, while plank exports decreased by 10%, from 120 to 108 cubic metres.
Exports of furniture components also declined by 62%, from 337 to 128 cubic metres, while timber beams were no longer exported during the period under review.
The growth in exports comes amid calls from forestry operators for the introduction of reference prices for forest products, arguing that the current model leaves producers heavily dependent on prices set by international buyers.
The Mozambican Federation of Timber Operators (Fedemoma), which represents around 400 operators, has also pointed to high production and transport costs, as well as the existence of several inspection points along national roads, as some of the main challenges facing the sector.
Mozambique’s forestry sector currently contributes less than 4% of the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and generates around 22,000 jobs, according to previously released official data.
Fedemoma argues that revising forestry legislation and increasing local timber processing could help strengthen the sector’s contribution to the economy and generate greater added value from the country’s forest resources.
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