In April 2025, the GTI-Producers registered 39.1% (-1.2 percentage points MoM) and had stayed below the critical value (50%) for twelve consecutive months, indicating a continued downturn for the overall prosperity of the timber harvesting and primary processing industries in the pilot producing countries. By country, timber sectors in both Ghana and Mexico maintained an upward trend, while the comprehensive indexes for other countries were still in the contraction territory.

In Asia, the GTIs for Thailand and Malaysia registered 45.1% and 23.5%, respectively, still in the contraction territory. On the supply side, Malaysia's timber harvesting and production volumes were still declining. At the same time, the inventory of main raw materials was falling sharply, with many sample enterprises in the local reported a lack of logs. Thailand also saw a decrease in harvesting and production, mainly due to holidays and other factors. Additionally, GTI sample enterprises reported challenges such as unstable quality of timber materials, a shortage of raw materials for local processed grade C rubberwood as the materials were mainly used for export, among others. On the demand side, Malaysia saw a continued decline in new orders, and sample enterprises in the country reported a stagnant market and low demand for wood, hoping that the government would intervene to stimulate demand. Thailand’s export market had contracted somewhat, however, the domestic market demand was relatively stable this month.

In Africa, the GTI index for Ghana registered 63.6%, remaining in the expansion territory for the fourth consecutive month, indicating a continuous improvement in the overall performance of the country's timber sector. The GTI indexes for Gabon and the Republic of the Congo (ROC) were at 35.2% and 36.1%, respectively, still in the contraction territory. On the supply side, Ghana's timber harvesting and production volumes had increased for two consecutive months, and the problem of insufficient raw material supply had slightly eased, while in Gabon and ROC, both harvesting and production declined simultaneously, indicating a downward trend on the supply side. On the demand side, Ghana saw an increase in both domestic and international orders compared to the previous month. ROC’s export market was relatively stable, while its domestic market contracted. In Gabon, the volumes of both domestic and international orders dropped significantly, with GTI sample enterprises in the country reporting a sluggish local market, a decrease in orders from China, and a lack of European orders and new sales channels.

In Latin America, the GTI index for Mexico registered 51.2%, above the critical value (50%) for two consecutive months, indicating a continuous improvement in the overall performance of the country's timber sector. The GTI for Brazil was at 32.8%, still in the contraction territory below the critical value. This month, Mexico's timber harvesting and production volumes continued an upward trend, while Brazil's harvesting and production continued to show a downward trend, however, the decline had eased. On the demand side, Mexico's export market continued to shrink significantly, however, the total volume of new orders maintained growth due to strong domestic demand. In contrast, Brazil's timber market remained sluggish, with both domestic and international demand dropping sharply compared to the previous month. According to feedback from the GTI-Brazil Focal Point, Brazil is seeking to expand its role in the international trade of forest products, particularly with the United States.

GTI-Producers Report - April 2025.pdf