Lisbon, Nov. 22, 2024 (Lusa) - Portuguese paper pulp and cardboard exports increased by 13.2% in value in the third quarter compared to the same period last year, recording a surplus of €438 million, the Association of Forest-Based Bioindustries (Biond) announced on Friday.
"Contrary to the economy as a whole, this sector had a surplus of €438 million, proving decisive in easing Portugal's traditionally negative trade balance in goods," the industry association said in a statement.
According to Biond, these figures - recently released by the National Statistics Institute (INE) - show "strong growth" in the sector, above the domestic average, and "confirm the strategic importance of forest-based bioindustries for the Portuguese economy".
"The pulp, paper and cardboard bioindustry is consolidating its position as one of the main drivers of the Portuguese economy," it says.
Quoted in the press release, Biond's managing director states that "the economic success of the sector, combined with its commitment to innovation and sustainability", makes it "a benchmark not only in Portugal, but also on the European and world stage".
"We are currently the largest European producer of office paper and the third largest of pulp, an outstanding position that reflects the commitment and capacity of our member companies," emphasises Gonçalo Almeida Simões.
Even so, the association leader guarantees that the sector is "not getting complacent" and continues to invest in the ongoing development of new products.
"We are building the sustainable bioindustry that the future demands. A future in which the Portuguese bioindustry leads the way in innovation, sustainability and value creation, strengthening the domestic economy and positioning itself as a global example of a sustainable bioindustry," says the director-general of Biond, whose member companies export to more than 130 countries.
Portuguese exports rose by 9.7% and imports by 7% in value in the third quarter of the year, in nominal terms and compared to the same period last year, according to figures released on 8 November by the INE.
As a result, the trade deficit widened by €30 million (the first since the first quarter of 2023) to €7.135 billion, with a coverage rate of 73% (i.e. imports exceeded exports).
PD/AYLS // AYLS
Lusa
