Veneer sheets market in Tunisia

Earlier Report Observations

The Tunisian veneer sheets market volume gradually decreased from 2 645 thousand m³ in 2018 to 2 308 thousand m³ in 2020, with local plywood and veneer producers maintaining a stable presence. A more pronounced contraction followed in 2021, when the market fell to 1 767 thousand m³, a period that saw the introduction of new fiscal regulations which increased operational costs for businesses in the wood sector.

Market conditions shifted from 2022 onward. The implementation of mandatory PEFC or FSC traceability for exotic wood species and the growing adoption of digital cutting technologies enhanced supply-chain compliance and production efficiency, contributing to a recovery to 1 959 thousand m³. This positive trajectory accelerated in 2023, with the market expanding sharply to 2 669 thousand m³, further supported by rising preference for reconstructed veneer and low-VOC adhesive technologies.

Production veneer sheets in Tunisia

In kind, 2017-2020, m³

Top producers of veneer sheets, 2017-2020

World map of production of veneer sheets, 2017-2020

In 2020, Tunisia produced 3 958 m³ of veneer sheets, representing a slight decrease of 1.1% compared to 2019. The largest increase occurred in 2018, though it remained at 0.0%.

Annual dynamics of production in Tunisia in kind, 2017-2020, m³

Exports veneer sheets from Tunisia

Exports in kind, K m³

Market performance showed noticeable fluctuations during this period. Import levels varied significantly, with a 2.8-fold difference between the low point in 2017 and the high point in 2019. In 2020, Tunisia exported 17 K m³ of veneer sheets, down 40.0% year-over-year. The maximum export volume was recorded in 2019 at 29 K m³, while the largest increase occurred in 2018 at 93.1%.

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

An analysis of exports in kind from 2017 to 2020 reveals a broad distribution across numerous markets. Congo accounted for 16.0% of exports in kind, France for 6.5%, and Spain for 1.9%. Together, these three countries represented only 24.4% of total flows, with the remaining 75.6% distributed among other trading partners.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

Market performance exhibited noticeable fluctuations during this period. Exports in value terms reached their peak in 2019 and fell to their lowest point in 2017, showing a 5.8-fold amplitude. In 2020, Tunisia's veneer sheet exports stood at 149 K US dollars, down 9.6% from 2019. The maximum value was recorded in 2019 at 165 K US dollars, while the largest increase occurred in 2018 at 239.5%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Congo, France, and Germany were the largest buyers of Tunisian veneer sheets in value terms, accounting for 7.1%, 3.6%, and 2.6% of exports, respectively. However, their combined contribution was limited to 13.4% of total exports in value terms, indicating a diversified country structure.

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

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

Imports veneer sheets to Tunisia

Imports in kind, K m³

Tunisia's veneer sheet import volume declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, imports totaled 2 322 K m³, showing a significant decrease of 12.0% from 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports fell by 34.5%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of -13.1%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Côte d'Ivoire, Gabon, and France were the main suppliers of veneer sheets to Tunisia in kind, accounting for 22.5%, 22.2%, and 12.9% of imports, respectively. Together, these three countries comprised 57.6% of total imports in kind.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

Veneer sheet imports to Tunisia declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, import volume stood at 5 590 K US dollars, marking a gradual decrease of 4.1% from 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, imports decreased by 24.5%, equating to an annualized rate of -8.9%.

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

Throughout 2017 to 2020, France, Côte d'Ivoire, and Romania formed the key group of partners for imports in value terms of veneer sheets to Tunisia, accounting for 26.9%, 15.3%, and 14.1% of imports, respectively. Jointly, they represented 56.3% of total flows.

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

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