event news > FITECMA - International Fair of Technology for Wood and Furniture > June 10–14, 2025 > La Rural, Buenos Aires
FITECMA is the most important fair in Latin America dedicated to technology in wood processing and furniture production. Companies present innovative machines, tools, software solutions, automation technologies, bioenergy systems, and applications for wood construction.
Exhibitors showcase products for: - industrial wood processing and furniture manufacturing - robotics and Industry 4.0 - sustainable wood construction - software and engineering solutions
FITECMA also offers special conditions for the temporary import of machinery and is supported by the main institutions of the sector.
Event location: La Rural Exhibition Center, Buenos Aires.
For more information and registration: https://fitecma.com.ar.
GREEN STRENGTH ►
Argentina offers great potential in the forestry and wood sector, from high-quality raw materials to certified and sustainable products, as well as skilled professionals throughout the entire value chain.
In the first months of 2025, Argentina achieved a significant increase in exports of high-quality wood products. Exports of processed wood products rose by 41% in volume and 27% in value compared to the same period last year. Demand was especially high for sawn timber, fiberboards, profiled wood, and particle boards.
Natural Advantages
The country has a unique forest base, with rich natural forests and large plantation areas:
- 53 million hectares of natural forests.
- 1.3 million hectares of fast-growing planted forests.
- The good quality of the wood allows efficient use of modern sawing technologies:
- Annual harvest of nearly 15 million tons of wood from forest plantations.
- More than 4 million m³ of installed capacity for wood and panel material processing.
In Argentina, pine trees grow significantly faster: rotation periods are only 15 to 20 years, whereas in Europe they are usually 60 to 80 years. This makes wood production much more cost-effective.
Economic Indicators
The wood processing industry is an important economic factor within Argentina's industrial sector. It includes companies of various sizes and specializations.
- More than 4,330 active companies.
- More than 48,830 employees (equivalent to 4.2% of total industrial employment).
- Gross Production Value (GPV): USD 4.7 billion (~2% of industrial production).
- Gross Value Added (GVA): USD 2.4 billion (~3.2% of the manufacturing industry).
- Dense network of training centers and sector-specific educational programs.
Distribution by segment
- Furniture manufacturers: 46% of companies, 45% of employment.
- Sawmills: 24% of companies, 28% of employment.
- Other segments: boards, wooden packaging, interior design.
The sector is mostly dominated by small and medium-sized enterprises
- The 20 largest companies represent only 14% of employment, but 34% of production.
Main activities – from harvesting to final product
- Most demanded products: sawn and profiled wood, fiberboards and particle boards (90% of export value).
- Wood pellets, parquet, furniture manufacturing.
- Pulp, paper, and primary raw material production.
The Argentine wood industry complex covers numerous processing stages – from sawing and wood treatment to the production of boards, furniture, pellets, packaging, and industrialized wooden houses. It represents the core of mechanical transformation within the forest value chain.
Argentina exports high-quality wood products to numerous markets worldwide. In 2023, it exported forestry products worth USD 739 million, representing an 18% increase compared to the previous year.
Exports mainly included pulp and paper (44%), sawn and profiled wood (37%), and quebracho extracts (19%).
The main destinations were the United States, Brazil, and other Latin American countries.
Ideal Conditions for the Paper and Cardboard Industry
In Argentina, pine trees are cultivated for the production of long-fiber pulp—important for stable and durable types of paper and cardboard—as well as eucalyptus for short-fiber pulp—ideal for smoother, finer paper; both in sufficient quantities and at competitive costs.
The pulp, paper, and cardboard complex comprises more than 840 companies, most of which specialize in the production of paper products. The pulp mills are located near forests and waterways, such as along the banks of the Paraná or Río Negro rivers.
International companies with long-standing presence have contributed to the development of technical and personnel capacities and have promoted the spread of modern manufacturing methods in pulp and paper production.
Packaging materials have significant growth potential. They can increasingly be used as a sustainable alternative to glass, plastic, and metal.
Regional Clusters ►
Specialized industrial hubs have emerged where various clusters drive innovation and specialization.
- Misiones – Eldorado: Cluster for the production of boards and wooden construction components.
- Corrientes – Paso de los Libres / Gobernador Virasoro: Focus on plantation forestry (mainly pine and eucalyptus), wood processing, and pulp production.
- Santa Fe – Cañada de Gómez: Specialization in furniture manufacturing with boards (solid and flat furniture).
- Santa Fe – Esperanza: Focus on solid wood furniture.
- Córdoba: Integrated industrial forestry cluster with a wide range of processes.
More than 40% of the forest areas used in Argentina are certified for sustainable management – by the FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) and the national CERFOAR system (Argentine Forest Certification System).
Promotion laws and strategies
Argentina has a broad legal framework aimed primarily at promoting sustainable development of the forestry sector and forms the basis of the wood industry complex. The two most important laws are:
- Law on Investments for Cultivated Forests (Law No. 25,080, amended by No. 26,432): This law creates incentives for investment projects in the forestry sector and especially supports the industrialization of wood products.
- Law on Minimum Budgets for the Protection of Native Forests (Law No. 26,331): Establishes environmental standards to ensure enrichment, restoration, conservation, sustainable use, and management of native forests and their ecosystem services.
In addition, there are other laws, such as the Forest Wealth Protection Law (Law No. 13,273 of 1948, regulated by Decree 710/1995), which declares the protection, regeneration, and expansion of forests as a matter of public interest, and the Fiscal Stability Law for Native Forests (No. 24,857 of 1997).
There are also specific forestry and industrial promotion programs and plans, such as:
- Strategic Forestry and Forest-Industrial Plan: A comprehensive plan to promote the competitiveness and sustainability of the forestry industry in Argentina.
- National Program for Labor Competency Certification: A program to recognize and promote qualifications in the forestry sector.
- ForestAr 2030: A national platform to promote economic development and ecological sustainability through large-scale reforestation.
RIGI - Regime of Incentives for Large Investments
The Argentine government has identified forestry as a key strategic area for growth. In July 2024, RIGI was implemented, a special investment regime aimed at large projects. This regime offers fiscal, customs, and currency benefits for projects with a minimum investment of 200 million US dollars.
The forestry sector is included among the eligible sectors. Through RIGI, projects along the entire production chain are supported, ranging from nurseries and reforestation to industrial processing.
More information about RIGI on our investor page: > INVEST
Recognized Investors
The companies CAFEMA and the joint venture Acon Timber – a cooperation between the HS Timber group and the Belgian Forestcape group – successfully develop projects in Argentina.
The country's potential is especially evident in Acon Timber’s modern sawmill in Virasoro (Corrientes province), which sets standards with an annual production capacity of 370,000 m³ of sawn wood and 132,000 tons of pellets, as well as generating over 700 jobs.
- More than USD 1.3 million invested, mainly in sawmills.
- Regional focus: 70% in Río Negro, 25% in Corrientes.
Take Advantage of Opportunities
Take advantage of Argentina’s strategic position in the forestry and wood industry.
More information for investors: 
INVEST.
Registration for Investment Screening
Link to the Investment Form (Google Forms)
Investment Form > Startups, pilot projects, cooperation, investment opportunities and more > Connect with Argentina’s innovative ecosystems
The form is aimed at investment funds, venture capitalists, project accelerators, investment forum organizers, and qualified investor groups interested in accessing investment projects in Argentina.
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Selected Products Chemicals:
Raw and sawn wood:
Wood panels:
Pulp:
Paper and cardboard: Paper in rolls (HS 4802.55) – Paper sheets (HS 4802.56) – Paper in general (HS 4802.57) – Tissue paper (HS 4803.00) – Kraft paper / kraftliner (HS 4804.11) – Sack kraft paper (HS 4804.21) – Kraft paper ≤150 g/m² (HS 4804.31) – Semi-chemical paper / corrugated cardboard (HS 4805.11) – Fluting / testliner paper (HS 4805.19) – Testliner ≤150 g/m² (HS 4805.24) – Felt paper 150–225 g/m² (HS 4805.92) – Paperboard (HS 4810.29). Wood furniture:
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More information about sector associations:
Argentine Forestry Association (AFoA): National organization representing the Argentine forestry sector. It brings together companies, forestry establishments, students, and independent professionals linked to forestry, industry, and associated services. https://afoa.org.ar
Argentine Federation of the Wood Industry and Related Sectors (FAIMA): National entity that groups companies and organizations linked to the wood industry and related sectors in Argentina. https://faima.org.ar/
Association of Manufacturers and Representatives of Machines, Equipment and Tools for the Wood Industry (ASORA): Association that brings together manufacturers and representatives of machinery, equipment, and tools for the wood industry in Argentina. https://asora.org.ar
Association of Pulp and Paper Manufacturers (AFCP): Association grouping pulp and paper manufacturers in Argentina. https://afcparg.online
Union of Wood Industry Workers (USIMRA): As a union, USIMRA represents forestry industry workers and defends their rights and working conditions. http://www.usimra.com.ar/
DOWNLOADS
Argentina was again present at LIGNA 2025 in Hannover, presenting a selection of its range of machines for wood and furniture production.
ARGENTINA Exhibitor Catalogue - LIGNA 2025
The Consulate General of the Argentine Republic in Hamburg offers local importers the opportunity to send inquiries to Argentine exporters. To do this, the corresponding SELECTION FORM can be completed and sent by email to this Consulate.
Selection form for German importers – Forest and wood products (pdf)
More information is available in the section (for German importers):
Issue No. 17 of the newsletter from the National Institute of Industrial Technology (INTI) presents examples of innovative export offerings from Argentine furniture manufacturers.
