On 17 March 2025, in Concepcion (Biobio), unionized National Forestry Corporation (Conaf) workers marched through the city as part of a two-day national strike to protest against the proposed curtailment of their prerogatives as part of the restructuration of Conaf into the new National Forestry Service (Sernafor). Congress had voted to reject a Senate amendment allowing Conaf workers to emit binding technical reports.

Supply-chain Risk Briefing - Chile Concepción Forestry Corporation Strike

1. Summary

On March 17, union members of Chile's National Forestry Corporation (Conaf) in Concepción, Biobío Region, conducted peaceful protests as part of a 2-day nationwide strike. This protest opposes the reduction of existing privileges, including technical report issuance authority, during Conaf's restructuring into the National Forest Service (Sernafor). The risk level is low.

2. Supply-chain impact

• Timber and pulp production: Biobío Region is Chile's major forestry area, and uncertainties in the forest service restructuring process could potentially cause delays in timber harvesting permits and forest management operations
• Paper and cellulose exports: Chile is a major pulp exporter in South America, and changes in the forestry administrative system could affect long-term raw material supply stability
• Agriculture sector: Forest service functions include wildfire prevention and response, so confusion during the organizational restructuring process could indirectly affect agricultural area protection
• Port logistics: Talcahuano port near Concepción is a hub for forestry product exports; currently no direct impact, but concerns over logistics disruptions if strikes expand

3. Watch points

• Strike expansion: Need to track whether the planned 2-day nationwide strike extends or spreads to other public sectors
• Sernafor restructuring progress: Congressional processing of the restructuring plan and negotiation results with unions will be key variables determining future forestry administrative stability