Jul 03, 2015. /Lesprom Network/. Because of a sharp increase in exports Brazil’s trade surplus in May was $2 billion, the best monthly export performance for the year. However, for the period January to May the country recorded a trade deficit of $2.3 billion, ITTO reports.

The Ministry of Development, Industry and Foreign Trade (MDIC) has pointed out that wood products were one of the main products exported in the first five months of the year with plywood exports doubling in May compared to May 2014. Sawnwood exports also increased 34% in May to $40 million.

The combined value of plywood and sawnwood exports this year amounted to $314 million a 54% increase compared to the same period in 2014.

The main driver of Brazilian wood product exports was demand from the construction and furniture industries in the US and stronger demand from companies with manufacturing facilities in Mexico.

There was also stronger demand for Brazilian sawnwood in Asian and Latin American markets.