Forests occupy 38% of Portuguese soil, followed by farmland with 33%. An area of 23% is occupied by soil considered uncultivated. If we look at the distribution of forest areas according to species, we can see that the wild pine occupies 31% of forestry areas, equivalent to 976,000 hectares. It is followed by cork with 23%, with 713,000 hectares, and eucalyptus with 21%, corresponding to 672,000 hectares of forest.

Goods produced by way of forestry underpin an important and integrated industrial chain based on natural resources, with it supporting a strong export sector. Portugal, therefore, views forests and forestry products as an area of crucial importance to its economy.
Portugal is also, within the European context, and even worldwide, a country specializing in forestry activities, with a significant impact on its GDP. Higher, even, than the European average.

In international trade terms, of forestry products and their derivatives, those with the most impact are Cork, Paper and Cardboard, Paper Pulp, Wood, Resinous Products and Furniture.