Vanuatu continues to export only a small amount of timber — less than 500 tons between 2021 and 2025 — making it one of the lowest exporters in the Pacific region compared to the Solomon Islands and Papua New Guinea.

The figures were revealed by Acting Director of Forestry, Mr. Godfrey Bome, during the National Commercial Commodity Forum held recently in Port Vila. He said the country’s timber industry faces major challenges due to small-scale forestry operations and limited resources to support reforestation efforts.

Mr. Bome highlighted that the government must take the sector more seriously and address key issues affecting production. These include enforcing the Planted Forest Act and developing planted forest regulations to ensure proper management and expansion of forestry resources.

He added that many forestry farmers have shifted to other short-term sectors, making it difficult for Vanuatu to establish large-scale timber plantations. The lack of foreign investment in the industry also remains a major concern.

Member of Parliament for the Southern Islands, Hon. Tomker Netvunei, echoed these concerns, calling on the Department of Forestry to create policies that generate jobs and income rather than ones that “sit on the table.” He cited the example of Erromango, where timber plantations established years ago remain underutilized.

Despite low local production, Vanuatu continues to import large volumes of sawn timber, particularly from New Zealand. In the past five years alone, imports reached 4.7 million cubic meters, valued at 2.8 billion vatu.

Mr. Bome said there is currently no regulatory framework for timber imports, only local sawmill operations, leaving the domestic market heavily dependent on foreign timber.

At present, Vanuatu produces only two main timber types — whitewood and blue water.

He urged the government to revive and strengthen the forestry sector to ensure long-term sustainability, job creation, and reduced import dependency.