Brazil

Brazil's tropical sawnwood exports rose 32.0% in October

Brazil's total exports of timber products (excluding pulp and paper) in October amounted to $257.3 million, a 2.0% decrease compared to $263.7 million in October 2024.

Exports of tropical sawnwood rose 32.0% in volume, from 21.7 thousand cubic meters to 28.7 thousand cubic meters, and increased 21.0% in value, from $10.0 million to $12.1 million.

Exports of tropical plywood grew 14.0% in volume, from 2,100 cubic meters to 2,400 cubic meters, while export value remained stable at $1.2 million.

Exports of wooden furniture were unchanged from the same period last year, at $48.2 million.

U.S. adjusts tariffs on Brazil; furniture industry not exempt

On November 20, 2025, U.S. President Trump announced the removal of 40% tariffs on over 200 Brazilian agricultural products, marking a significant step forward in bilateral negotiations.

However, products such as furniture, processed wood, footwear, and aluminum remain subject to the imposed tariffs and related measures, keeping the cost of accessing the U.S. market high for these goods. Currently, Brazil's furniture industry continues to face order adjustments, contract renegotiations, and efforts to shift export destinations to other markets.

EU imposes 5.4% tariff on Brazilian softwood plywood

The European Commission has imposed a provisional 5.4% anti-dumping duty on imports of softwood plywood originating in Brazil, citing a "significant increase in Brazilian softwood plywood imports at declining prices, which has pressured European producers and squeezed their profit margins."

The measure was implemented via Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2025/2219, published on November 3, 2025, and took effect on November 5. It is provisional pending a more in-depth investigation and final decision.

The duty applies to softwood plywood with each layer not exceeding 6 mm thick and with both outer plies of coniferous wood, whether or not coated or surfaced, classified under CN code 4412 39 00. The 5.4% rate applies to major producers including Indústria de Compensados Sudati Ltda., Conply Indústria de Compensados Ltda., Indústria de Compensados Guararapes Ltda, etc. The company Nereu Rodrigues & Cia Ltda. is exempt from the duty.

Brazil launches concession project for productive restoration of degraded forest

On November 12 during the COP30 in Belém, Brazil, the federal government launched a concession tender for the Bom Futuro National Forest in the state of Rondônia. Coordinated by the Brazilian Forest Service (SFB), this is the first federal forest concession project focused on the productive restoration of degraded areas.

The project covers a total area of 98,000 hectares, with an estimated restoration of approximately 15,000 hectares over the contract period. Expected annual revenue is R$343,000, totaling about R$13.7 million over 40 years. Funds will be allocated to the Brazilian Forest Service (SFB), the Chico Mendes Institute for Biodiversity Conservation (ICMBio), state and municipal governments, and the National Forest Development Fund (FNDF).

In addition to environmental benefits and sectoral reforms, the project is expected to create 535 direct jobs and 406 indirect jobs, positively impacting the local economy and strengthening sustainable forestry supply chains, such as those for native seeds and seedlings.

"My Home, My Life" sees over 8,000 units under construction in November

Across Brazil, the "Minha Casa, Minha Vida" housing program continues to steadily progress, helping people realize the dream of homeownership. In November, a total of 109 projects commenced construction, comprising 8,200 houses or apartments expected to benefit approximately 32,000 people.

The distribution of projects by "Minha Casa, Minha Vida" program category is as follows: 63 projects under the Rural modality, totaling 1,900 housing units; 6 projects under the Sustainable Urban Development (FDS) modality, totaling 424 units; and 40 projects under the Urban (FAR) modality, totaling 5,900 housing units.

Mexico

Mexico publishes amendments to Customs Law

On November 19, Mexico's Official Gazette of the Federation (DOF) published amendments to the Customs Law, which will officially take effect on January 1, 2026.

A core measure of the reform is the establishment of a Customs Committee, an inter-agency body composed of the Ministry of Finance, Mexico's National Customs Agency, the Tax Administration Service, and the Ministry of Anti-Corruption and Good Governance. This committee will be responsible for the issuance, renewal, suspension, and revocation of customs broker licenses to enhance transparency and oversight in decision-making.

Key reforms also include the abolition of the lifetime license system for customs brokers, replacing it with a 20-year license requiring renewal through certification every three years. Additionally, the proposal expands categories of violations, increases penalties, and strengthens sanctions to deter misconduct and enhance accountability in foreign trade activities.

CONAFOR released 2025-2030 plan to curb deforestation

Mexico's National Forestry Commission (CONAFOR) recently released its 2025-2030 Institutional Plan, outlining a six-year roadmap focused on restoring degraded ecosystems, improving sustainable forest management, and aligning national policies with global climate and biodiversity commitments.

The core objective of the plan is to achieve net-zero deforestation nationwide by 2030. CONAFOR reports that forest ecosystems currently cover 70.6% of Mexico's land area, equivalent to 138.7 million hectares, consisting of xeric shrublands (40.5%), temperate forests (25.1%), and tropical forests (21.9%). However, unsustainable agricultural practices, lack of public awareness, and non-sustainable resource use continue to threaten the resilience of these ecosystems. 

Mexico's Housing for Well-Being Program to deliver 6,401 homes

The Mexican government has announced significant progress in its Housing for Well-Being Program, confirming the delivery of 6,401 completed homes between November and December 2025. Led by the Ministry of Agrarian, Territorial and Urban Development (SEDATU), 4,871 of these homes are being constructed by the National Workers' Housing Fund Institute (INFONAVIT), while the remaining 1,530 units will be delivered by the National Housing Commission (CONAVI).

According to INFONAVIT Director General Octavio Romero, the 4,871 homes scheduled for delivery this year are distributed across 58 developments in 39 cities within 19 states. The state of Tamaulipas will receive the largest number of INFONAVIT homes this year (1,395 units), followed by Quintana Roo (672 units).

INFONAVIT has also streamlined the credit access process: beneficiaries now only need to be registered with the institution, have an income between 1 and 2 times the minimum wage, and not currently hold a mortgage. This reform enables young adults aged 18 and older to access housing, benefiting single parents, young couples, and first-time homebuyers.

Ecuador

Remittances reach record high, boosting Ecuador’s real estate market

According to data from the Central Bank of Ecuador (BCE), remittances from Ecuadorians living abroad reached a historic high of $6.5398 billion in 2024. The growth trend continued into 2025, with $1.7243 billion received in the first quarter alone—a 23.7% increase compared to the same period last year.

Research from the Pontifical Catholic University of Ecuador (PUCE) shows that a significant portion of these funds is used for purchasing or constructing homes.

This trend is also reflected in the construction sector. Joseph Schwarzkopf, a spokesperson for Uribe Schwarzkopf, noted that over the past two years, participation from Ecuadorians living abroad has steadily increased, accounting for up to 20% of homebuyers in some projects.

Ecuador’s construction sector set for growth cycle

According to an analysis by Joan Proaño, Vice President of Constructores Positivos, Ecuador’s construction sector is poised to enter its first sustained growth cycle in 2025, following years of contraction.

The overall construction sector, encompassing both public and private projects, shows signs of robust expansion. In the second quarter, construction activity grew by 6.7% year-on-year—the first positive growth since a 7.8% contraction in 2014.

The current momentum is attributed to government measures aimed at stimulating investment, including interest rate reductions, value-added tax refunds for construction, and the "Miti Miti" loan program. This program offers a subsidized interest rate of 4.99%, starting from an initial rate of 5%, effectively promoting social housing development.

Ecuador releases progress on REDD+ policy implementation

On November 27, Ecuador’s Ministry of Environment and Energy announced the progress of national REDD+ policy implementation. The data shows that 705,639 hectares of natural forests are currently under protection, and 353,782 hectares are under sustainable forest management. Furthermore, 36,080 hectares of forests have been restored, and 101,660 hectares have been integrated into sustainable production systems.

In tandem, 458 technical and regulatory tools have been developed to strengthen climate governance. At the national level, 40 bio-enterprises have received support within the REDD+ implementation framework.

On the same day, the government also announced the launch of the second phase of the REDD+ Action Plan, to be implemented over the next decade. This phase aims to strategically update and align forestry and climate policies, expand access to international financing, and develop clearer mechanisms for benefit-sharing among communities and local stakeholders involved in forest conservation.

Trinational meeting of Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru sets key actions for 2026 Amazon protection

From November 23 to 29, 2025, environmental delegations from Ecuador, Colombia, and Peru convened a trinational border meeting to jointly develop strategic actions guiding the protection of the Amazon corridor along their shared borders in 2026.

Ecuador’s Ministry of Environment and Energy (MAE), along with technical teams from the Protected Areas Administration and the Cuyabeno Wildlife Reserve, participated in the meeting. The MAE reaffirmed Ecuador’s commitment to the co-management of the Amazon region, promoting collaboration with Colombia and Peru to protect one of the planet’s most vital natural heritage sites.

During the 32nd meeting of the Trinational Program’s Technical Committee, the countries agreed on priorities for the coming year, which include: strengthening trinational ecological monitoring in strategic areas; harmonizing conservation approaches and facilitating technical exchanges; promoting sustainable development projects for local communities; enhancing environmental monitoring to address threats such as deforestation and illegal activities; consolidating international cooperation mechanisms and capacity building; and fostering regional exchanges and technical support.