This is a best prospect industry sector for this country. Includes a market overview and trade data.
Last Published: 2/28/2019

Overview

The forestry and wood processing industry has a long tradition in Latvia.  With forests covering more than 50 percent of Latvia’s territory, Latvia is one of the most forested EU member states.  About half of forests are owned by the state.  Timber processing is the largest industrial sector in Latvia and timber is one of Latvia’s top exports.  The local sawmill industry has strong potential, but would benefit from technology and machinery upgrades and modern managerial and marketing techniques.  Both raw materials and labor are available at relatively low cost. The sector accounts for roughly 20% of Latvia’s exports with 80% of the production designed specifically for exports.

Leading Sub-Sectors

Best prospects for U.S. exports include saw mill equipment, woodworking and furniture-making machinery, and plant technologies.

Opportunities

Please see the Supplement to the Official Journal of the European Union dedicated to European public procurement.
Latvian Export and Import Directory
The primary opportunities are in the sales of sawmill or woodworking equipment and machinery.

Web Resources

atvian Investment and Development Agency
Latvian Forest Industry Federation
Latvia’s State Forests
Latvian Forest Industry Overview

Prepared by our U.S. Embassies abroad. With its network of 108 offices across the United States and in more than 75 countries, the U.S. Commercial Service of the U.S. Department of Commerce utilizes its global presence and international marketing expertise to help U.S. companies sell their products and services worldwide. Locate the U.S. Commercial Service trade specialist in the U.S. nearest you by visiting http://export.gov/usoffices.