Non coniferous wood fuel market in South Africa

Earlier Report Observations

The market for non-coniferous wood fuel in South Africa grew from 9.1 million cubic meters in 2018 to 10.7 million in 2020. This expansion was underpinned by sustained rural household consumption of firewood, driven by socio-economic factors such as low income, unemployment, and the high cost of electricity, which made wood a cheaper alternative. Concurrently, rising demand for wood pellets as a renewable energy source for heating and power generation provided additional momentum to the market.

After dipping to 10.0 million cubic meters in 2021, the market volume declined to 9.7 million in 2022. This period coincided with heightened export activity for wood-based solid fuels to international markets, which likely reduced domestic availability. The market recovered to 10.5 million cubic meters in 2023, a year marked by global supply chain disruptions and increased timber prices due to geopolitical events, factors that may have encouraged greater domestic use of available wood fuel resources.

Investments in wood pellet manufacturing facilities, including new plants in regions like Port Elizabeth, signaled a shift towards processed biomass fuels. Regulatory developments, such as the introduction of the Climate Change Act in 2024, began shaping the market framework towards lower emissions and sustainable energy, influencing long-term production and consumption patterns.

Production non coniferous wood fuel in South Africa

In kind, 2018-2021, K m³

Globally, South Africa ranked as the 30th largest producer of non-coniferous wood fuel from 2018 to 2021.

Top producers of non coniferous wood fuel, 2018-2021

World map of production of non coniferous wood fuel, 2018-2021

In 2021, South Africa produced 12 000 K m³ of non-coniferous wood fuel, remaining broadly stable compared to 2020. The largest decline occurred in 2019, at 0.0%, while the largest increase was also recorded in 2019, at 0.0%.

Annual dynamics of production in South Africa in kind, 2018-2021, K m³

In value, 2018-2021, M $ US

Non-coniferous wood fuel production in South Africa declined for the second consecutive year. In 2021, the output was valued at 771.3 M $ US, which is 1.3% lower than in 2020. Between 2018 and 2021, production increased by 2.2%, equating to an annualized rate of 0.7%. The maximum value was recorded in 2019 at 858.0 M $ US. The largest decline occurred in 2020, at 8.9%, while the largest increase was in 2019, at 13.7%.

Annual dynamics of production in South Africa in value, 2018-2021, M $ US

Exports non coniferous wood fuel from South Africa

Exports in kind, K m³

After a two-year decline, cross-border shipments of non-coniferous wood fuel from South Africa increased in 2021. Exports were recorded at 2 942 K m³, representing a sharp advance of 48.0% compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2018 to 2021, exports decreased by 15.5%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of -5.5%. The minimum value was recorded in 2020 at 1 987 K m³. The largest decline occurred in 2019, at 27.8%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from South Africa in kind, 2018-2021, K m³

From 2018 to 2021, the geographical pattern of exports in kind was characterized by a strong dominance of Japan, which accounted for 76.5% of total flows, while other partners held relatively minor shares.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's exports from South Africa in kind, 2018-2021

Exports in value, M $ US

After a two-year fall, non-coniferous wood fuel exports from South Africa increased in 2021. The export volume totaled 189.1 M $ US, up by 46.1% relative to the prior year. Between 2018 and 2021, exports decreased by 13.6%, equating to an annualized rate of -4.8%. The minimum value was recorded in 2020 at 129.4 M $ US. The largest decline occurred in 2020, at 28.0%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from South Africa in value, 2018-2021, M $ US

From 2018 to 2021, Japan remained the main market for exports in value terms, with a share of 79.5% of total flows, while the rest of the volume was fragmented across numerous other destinations.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's exports from South Africa in value, 2018-2021

Imports non coniferous wood fuel to South Africa

Imports in kind, K m³

In 2021, South Africa's volume of non-coniferous wood fuel imports registered 947 K m³, up by 45.9% compared with 2020. Over the period from 2018 to 2021, imports increased by 56.1%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 16.0%. The largest decline was recorded in 2020, at 8.3%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to South Africa in kind, 2018-2021, K m³

From 2018 to 2021, Eswatini effectively concentrated imports in kind of non-coniferous wood fuel to South Africa, with a share of 95.2% of total flows.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's imports to South Africa in kind, 2018-2021

Imports in value, M $ US

A total of value_last_year M $ US of non-coniferous wood fuel was imported by South Africa in 2021, representing a 69.9% uptick compared to 2020. Between 2018 and 2021, imports increased by 76%, equating to an annualized rate of 20.7%. The largest decline was recorded in 2020, at 11.9%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to South Africa in value, 2018-2021, M $ US

Over the period from 2018 to 2021, imports in value terms of non-coniferous wood fuel to South Africa were almost completely tied to Eswatini, whose share amounted to 90.4% of total flows.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's imports to South Africa in value, 2018-2021