Veneer sheets market in Northern Africa

Earlier Report Observations

The market for veneer sheets in Northern Africa saw significant growth from 2018 to 2019, with volume expanding from 170 thousand m³ to 196 thousand m³. This increase was primarily driven by sustained strong domestic demand for plywood and related wood-based panels, coupled with the development of natural veneer and laminated wood segments. Local production played a role, with companies like NMC Industrie active in manufacturing laminated plywood, supporting overall market availability.

Market volume then declined sharply to 116 thousand m³ by 2021. A key factor behind this contraction was the tightening of regulations on the traceability and quality of wood materials, particularly for plywood used in construction and furniture, which constrained supply. Although national policies promoted renewable materials, global supply chain disruptions noted in subsequent years likely also contributed to the downturn during this period.

A partial recovery to 126 thousand m³ occurred in 2022, supported by government policies encouraging local industrialization and the valorization of forest resources, which improved market access for domestic producers. Shifting consumer preferences towards more durable and aesthetic wood finishes further stimulated demand. However, the market volume fell again to 100 thousand m³ in 2023.

Production veneer sheets in Northern Africa

In kind, 2017-2020, m³

Top producers of veneer sheets, 2017-2020

World map of production of veneer sheets, 2017-2020

In 2020, Northern Africa produced 19 958 m³ of veneer sheets, maintaining stable production levels compared to the previous year. The largest increase occurred in 2018, at 0.0%.

Annual dynamics of production in Northern Africa in kind, 2017-2020, m³

Exports veneer sheets from Northern Africa

Exports in kind, K m³

Market performance showed noticeable fluctuations during this period. Volumes reached their lowest point in 2017 and peaked in 2018, representing a threefold difference. In 2020, veneer sheet deliveries from Northern Africa totaled 1.0 K m³, marking a 53.1% decrease from 2019. The maximum value was recorded in 2018 at 2.5 K m³, with the largest increase that year reaching 200.0%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Northern Africa in kind, 2017-2020, K m³

From 2017 to 2020, exports of veneer sheets from Northern Africa were relatively evenly distributed. Yemen accounted for 31.6% of exports in kind, Saudi Arabia for 9.3%, and Israel for 5.0%, together representing 46.0% of total flows.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from Northern Africa in kind, 2017-2020

Exports in value, K $ US

Cross-border shipments of veneer sheets from Northern Africa increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, exports reached 892 K $ US, reflecting a 3.4% advance compared to 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, exports grew by 6.5%, equivalent to an annualized rate of 2.1%. The minimum value was recorded in 2018 at 807 K $ US, with the largest decline that year at 3.7%. The largest increase occurred in 2019, at 7.0%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Northern Africa in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

During 2017–2020, exports in value terms of veneer sheets from Northern Africa were spread relatively evenly. Yemen contributed 3.8% of exports in value terms, Saudi Arabia 3.3%, and Israel 3.0%, jointly accounting for 10.1% of total flows.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from Northern Africa in value, 2017-2020

Imports veneer sheets to Northern Africa

Imports in kind, K m³

After two years of growth, foreign veneer sheet supplies to Northern Africa declined. In 2020, Northern Africa imported 156.8 K m³ of veneer sheets, representing a 12.3% loss compared to the previous year. Over the period 2017-2020, imports increased by 34.6%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 10.4%. The maximum value was recorded in 2019 at 178.8 K m³, and the largest increase occurred in 2018 at 32.8%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Northern Africa in kind, 2017-2020, K m³

From 2017 to 2020, Gabon (26.9% of imports in kind), China (24.9%), and Turkey (9.4%) remained the leading destinations in the country structure of imports in kind, with a combined share of 61.3% of total flows.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to Northern Africa in kind, 2017-2020

Imports in value, K $ US

In 2020, cross-border shipments of veneer sheets to Northern Africa were recorded at 64 872 K $ US, representing a substantial drop of 11.9% compared with 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, imports decreased by 15.9%, equating to an annualized rate of 5.6%. The largest increase was recorded in 2019 at 3.6%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Northern Africa in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

From 2017 to 2020, Gabon (22.9% of imports in value terms), China (21.1%), and the United States (9.4%) formed the main group of destinations for imports in value terms of veneer sheets to Northern Africa, with a combined share of 53.5% of total flows.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to Northern Africa in value, 2017-2020