Wood charcoal market in Congo

Earlier Report Observations

Wood charcoal production in Congo rose consistently from 5 294 t in 2018 to 6 294 t in 2023, with market volume following a similar upward path. This initial growth was fueled by the entry of Chinese forestry companies, such as Maniema Union 2, which expanded timber commercialization despite a moratorium, likely increasing charcoal output as a byproduct. Additionally, road infrastructure development linked to mining projects in southeastern DRC by 2020 improved access to forest resources and distribution networks, further enabling production expansion.

The growth trend continued through 2021-2023, supported by strong local demand evidenced by the wood charcoal market in Goma reaching an annual value of $40 million. Rising prices for charcoal and other essential commodities in 2022 provided further incentive for production. During this period, initiatives like improved cookstoves and the promotion of ecological charcoal emerged to reduce consumption and deforestation, but overall market volume kept climbing, indicating persistent demand pressures. The establishment of a carbon market regulatory authority in 2023 also marked a step toward formalizing sustainability efforts in the sector.

Production wood charcoal in Congo

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Top producers of wood charcoal, 2017-2020

World map of production of wood charcoal, 2017-2020

Congo's wood charcoal production has increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, the country produced 5,692 tonnes of wood charcoal, marking a moderate improvement of 3.7% compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production grew by 11.5%, with an average annual growth rate of 3.7%.

Annual dynamics of production in Congo in kind, 2017-2020, t

Exports wood charcoal from Congo

According to market outlook data, Congo did not export any wood charcoal from 2017 to 2020.

Imports wood charcoal to Congo

Imports in kind, kg

The market displayed volatility during the observed period. Imports reached their lowest point in 2018 at 984 kg, while the maximum was recorded in 2017, resulting in a 4.8-fold variation between these years. In 2020, wood charcoal shipments to Congo from abroad amounted to 3,807 kg, representing a significant increase of 126.6% from the previous year. The largest decline occurred in 2018, with a drop of 79.2%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Congo in kind, 2017-2020, kg

From 2017 to 2020, Lebanon, France, and Cameroon were the leading sources in Congo's import structure by volume. Lebanon accounted for 66.9% of imports, France for 12.4%, and Cameroon for 8.7%, together making up 88.0% of total flows.

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

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

Imports in value, $ US

The market showed an unstable trend throughout the timeframe. Import values hit their minimum in 2018 at $908 US, while peaking in 2017, with a top-to-bottom ratio of 4.6 times. In 2020, wood charcoal imports to Congo amounted to $2,359 US, up by 23.4% compared to 2019. The largest decline was in 2018 at 78.2%, and the largest increase occurred in 2019, rising by 110.5%.

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

Over the period from 2017 to 2020, Lebanon and France consistently represented 82.8% of Congo's total imports by value, indicating a high degree of market concentration, with a long tail of smaller markets contributing the remainder.

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

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