International Trade

The annual round wood production in Suriname is currently around 150,000 m3 per year. The majority of this wood remains in Suriname itself and is used as lumber for homes, offices and roads.

The Surinamese timber exports amount to 20,000 m3 of wood per year. The wood goes to the Caribbean (16%), Asia (36%), USA (8%), Germany (10%) and the Netherlands (27%).

When timber is done  in a sustainable manner, the Surinamese round wood production can be much higher than the current 150,000 m3. Both the timber sector and the government have plans to increase production to 500,000 m3 or more per year.

PDF- General figures of the Surinamese forest sector

The demand for wood in the local market barely grows. On the other hand, the demand on the international market is growing. Suriname will be producing more and more wood for the international market. The export market places high demands on the quality of the wood.

Besides the quality of the wood,  the production method itself also plays a major role on the international market. In business there is increasing attention to corporate social responsibility (CSR).

In the Netherlands, Germany and the United States, the demand for wood with a recognized international label for sustainably produced timber grows. Of all the wood on the Dutch market 8% is now FSC certified.
The Dutch Ministry of Housing aims to increase the share of certified wood to 25% in 2005.