Forest products contribute to the economic base of many countries by contributing to economic growth, revenue, trade and investment.
- Forest industries provide formal employment to 0.4% of the global labor force, contributing to nearly 1% of global GDP in 2008.
- Forests contribute over US$250 billion to the economies of the developing world. This figure represents only officially reported monetary contributions, ignoring the informal sector and non-monetary values, meaning the contribution is actually much larger.
- Forests generate significant revenue for public institutions and governments. In countries such as Cameroon, forests generate 25% of public revenue through timber taxes and other fiscal instruments. This revenue can be redirected to be spent on other sectors, including for poverty-alleviation strategies.
- Forest products support economies through international trade. In 2010, the global trade in timber and timber products was worth more than US$200 billion.
