IRISH FOREST product exports were worth over €333 million last year, a rise in value of 14 per cent over 2006.
Michael Lynn, chairman of Coford, the National Council for Forest Research and Development, said the sector had grown significantly last year.
Its research had also shown that sawn timber imports declined significantly in 2007, reflecting the downturn in house construction compared with 2006.
Mr Lynn said a record three million cubic metres of roundwood was harvested in Ireland in 2007, supplying the sawmilling, wood-based panel and energy sectors.
Coillte supplied 87 per cent of the harvest, with the balance coming from an expanding private forest sector. Harvest levels in private forests are increasing significantly, and have the potential to grow tenfold over the coming decade, he said.
Mr Lynn said the export performance was in the face of strong competition in the UK and other markets.