Forestry in Argentina - Forestry By Region

Forestry By Region

Among the most important regions in Argentina for the industry are the provinces of Misiones, Corrientes, Entre Ríos, and Buenos Aires. These four provinces form the country's eastern border with Uruguay and Brazil, and comprise of 80% of the total cultivated area.

Forests are composed of the following species:

• 50% – Pine (Misiones, Corrientes, Entre Ríos, Patagonia, Central and Northwest areas of the country)
• 30% – Eucalyptus (Misiones, Corrientes, Entre Ríos, Buenos Aires, La Pampa, Santa Fe, Central and Northwest area of the country)
• 16% – Willow and aspen (Buenos Aires, Río Negro, Mendoza, Neuquén)
• 4% – Other broad-leaved trees

The Argentine forestry sector has strengthened considerably in the last 15 years. The reasons behind this growth include:

• Great extensions of undeveloped land for the forestry industry at low prices that do not compete with other industries such as agriculture
• The Law 25,080 which provides economic incentives and favorable investment environment for the industry (including fiscal stability)
• No restrictions for foreign investment

During the 1990s, Argentina was a net importer of forestry products with high value-added (i.e. paper, cardboard, furniture, etc.) and a net exporter of primary and low value added goods (i.e. wood, cellulose pulp). This situation has changed especially after the currency devaluation in 2002 and foreign investment during the 1990s. Now, the country has begun producing a number of high value added products such as fiberboards and finished products such as furniture. Argentina is now in a position to become an important producer of forest products in the future. The industry is focusing on the production of more high value added products, and increasing rates of plantation.