Mozambique’s processed timber exports surged more than threefold in the first half of 2026, but the sharp increase in veneer shipments has highlighted the country’s ongoing challenge of moving beyond semi-processed products towards higher-value manufactured exports.
Government figures show processed timber exports reached 24,648 cubic metres between January and June, up 311% from 5,995 cubic metres during the same period in 2025.
Veneer accounted for most of the increase, with exporters shipping 22,460 cubic metres after recording no veneer exports during the corresponding period last year.
The growth contrasts sharply with exports of finished timber products. Furniture shipments fell 62% to just 128 cubic metres, while sawn board exports declined 80% to 1,119 cubic metres.
Plywood exports, meanwhile, reached 683 cubic metres after no exports were recorded during the first half of 2025.
The figures underline the gap between Mozambique’s ambition to industrialise its forestry sector and the current structure of its timber exports.
Agriculture, Environment and Fisheries Minister Roberto Albino has called for the country to move away from exporting planks, boards and other semi-processed timber and instead develop the capacity to manufacture furniture, doors, windows and parquet flooring for international markets.
The government sees greater domestic processing as a way to retain more economic value from Mozambique’s forests while creating manufacturing jobs and strengthening local industrial capacity.
China, Mauritius, Vietnam and South Africa were the main destinations for processed timber during the first half of the year. China remains particularly important to Mozambique’s timber industry and has long been the country’s dominant buyer.
Industry groups are also pushing for greater investment in local manufacturing. The Mozambican Federation of Timber Operators, Fedemoma, has launched a ten-year strategy that includes establishing training centres across the country to improve technical skills and support the production of higher-value timber products.
Fedemoma President Jorge Chacate said the objective is to equip operators to manufacture furniture, doors, windows and other products rather than continuing to export timber in raw or semi-processed form.
The push for value addition also comes with concerns over the cost of moving timber from production areas to export ports. Operators have previously called for reference prices for forest products and raised concerns about multiple inspection points on national roads increasing transport costs.
Mozambique’s latest export figures therefore present a mixed picture. The strong growth in processed timber exports shows increasing activity in the sector, but the dominance of veneer and the sharp decline in furniture exports indicate that much more investment will be required before the country captures the full value of its forest resources.
For Mozambique, the next stage of its timber strategy will be about turning more of its forests into locally manufactured products — and turning timber exports into a larger source of industrial jobs, investment and export earnings.