Wood charcoal market in Angola

Earlier Report Observations

Angola's wood charcoal market volume grew consistently from 381 thousand tons in 2018 to 404.6 thousand tons by 2020. This rise was underpinned by regulatory foundations such as Presidential Decree No. 171/18, which established sustainable exploitation rules for forest resources including charcoal, and a study highlighting charcoal's role as the primary cooking fuel for most households, ensuring stable demand.

The expansion continued, with the market reaching 443 thousand tons in 2023. Stricter environmental licensing under Presidential Decree No. 117/20 promoted sustainable practices, while in 2023, training initiatives by the government and partners enhanced sustainable production capacity among local producers, despite increasing operational costs from freight and poor road infrastructure.

The market's landscape was further shaped by the entry of the industrial player Companhia Siderúrgica do Cuchi (CSC), which uses charcoal to manufacture carbon-free pig iron. The National Development Plan 2023‑2027 also prioritizes industrialization in sectors like metallurgy and agro‑industry, underscoring charcoal's relevance in Angola's industrial and energy framework.

Production wood charcoal in Angola

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of wood charcoal, 2017-2020

World map of production of wood charcoal, 2017-2020

Wood charcoal production in Angola has increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, Angola produced 405.1 thousand tons of wood charcoal, representing a 3.1% year-over-year gain. Between 2017 and 2020, production grew by 9.6%, which translates to an annualized growth rate of 3.1%.

Annual dynamics of production in Angola in kind, 2017-2020, K t

Exports wood charcoal from Angola

Exports in kind, t

Cross-border shipments of wood charcoal from Angola have increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, export volume totaled 615.3 tons, showing a significant increase of 238.8% compared to 2019. Over the period from 2018 to 2020, exports surged by 859.7%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 112.5%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Angola in kind, 2017-2020, t

From 2017 to 2020, Portugal dominated the country structure of exports in kind, accounting for 86.6% of total flows, while other destinations remained relatively small.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

Wood charcoal exports from Angola have increased in value for the second consecutive year. In 2020, exports tallied 153.5 thousand US dollars, which is 158.4% higher than the previous year. Over the period from 2018 to 2020, exports grew by 1 905.5%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 171.7%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, virtually all exports in value terms of wood charcoal from Angola were associated with Portugal, whose share reached 90.6% of total flows.

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

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

Imports wood charcoal to Angola

Imports in kind, t

The data reveals irregular changes, indicating a volatile market environment. Imports reached their lowest point in 2018 and peaked in 2020, with a 5.8-fold gap between these years. In 2020, imported wood charcoal volumes in Angola totaled 119.1 tons, reflecting a steep rise of 410.3% compared to 2019. The minimum value was recorded in 2018 at 20.4 tons, and the largest decline occurred in 2018, with an 80.6% drop.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Angola in kind, 2017-2020, t

From 2017 to 2020, Portugal was the key supplier of wood charcoal to Angola, accounting for 87.2% of total imports in kind, while a diversified group of other countries made up the remainder.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

Volatility characterized the market behavior during these years. The period saw a trough in 2019 and a peak in 2017, showing a 3.4-fold swing. In 2020, Angola's wood charcoal import volume amounted to 96.6 thousand US dollars, up by 182.1% versus the previous year. The minimum value was recorded in 2019 at 34.2 thousand US dollars, and the largest decline occurred in 2019, with a 63.9% decrease.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Portugal and Belgium formed a dominant pair of markets for imports in value terms, jointly accounting for 83.9% of total flows, whereas other countries represented the residual share.

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

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