Wood charcoal market in Egypt

Earlier Report Observations

Market volume for wood charcoal in Egypt expanded consistently between 2018 and 2023, rising from 1 450 thousand tons to 1 499 thousand tons. This represented a gradual increase each year, with the market adding approximately 10 thousand tons annually.

The market experienced external influences during this period. In 2019, a ban on charcoal production activities in the Laâssaba region of Mauritania could have affected regional supply dynamics. Later, in 2021, Ministerial Decision No. 49/2021 mandated a partial shift to alternative fuels in Egypt's cement sector, aiming to reduce coal dependence. While these measures targeted related coal markets, Egypt's wood charcoal consumption continued to grow. The war in Ukraine in 2022 drove global coal prices sharply higher, increasing import costs and potentially altering fuel substitution patterns.

In value terms, the market showed more volatility. After a decline from 933 million USD in 2018 to 868 million USD in 2020, it jumped to 1 087 million USD in 2021. Values then moderated slightly in 2022 before reaching 1 092 million USD in 2023. These fluctuations reflected changing price levels and possible shifts in the product mix within the charcoal market.

Production wood charcoal in Egypt

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

From 2017 to 2020, Egypt ranked as the world's 11th largest producer of wood charcoal.

Top producers of wood charcoal, 2017-2020

World map of production of wood charcoal, 2017-2020

Egypt's wood charcoal production increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, the country produced 1 478 thousand tonnes of wood charcoal, marking a 0.8% rise compared to the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, production grew by 2.3%, with an average annual growth rate of 0.8%.

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

Exports wood charcoal from Egypt

Exports in kind, t

Following two years of growth, Egypt's wood charcoal exports declined. In 2020, exports amounted to 8 970 tonnes, reflecting a 5.6% decrease year-over-year. Between 2017 and 2020, exports increased by 36.1%, which translates to an annualized growth rate of 10.8%. The highest export volume was recorded in 2019 at 9 505 tonnes, while the largest annual increase occurred in 2018 at 34.1%.

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

During 2017-2020, three key markets—Israel, Jordan, and Cyprus—collectively accounted for 60.6% of Egypt's total wood charcoal exports by volume.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

The market exhibited volatility throughout the observed period. Export values reached their lowest point in 2017 and peaked in 2019, with a 1.8-fold difference between these years. In 2020, Egypt's wood charcoal exports were valued at 5 290 thousand US dollars, showing a 7.1% drop from the previous year. The highest value was recorded in 2019 at 5 697 thousand US dollars, and the largest annual increase occurred in 2018 at 76.7%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Israel (40.8% of export value), Jordan (12.6%), and Cyprus (8.2%) emerged as the primary markets for Egypt's wood charcoal exports by value, together representing 61.5% of total export flows.

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

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

Imports wood charcoal to Egypt

Imports in kind, t

After two years of growth, Egypt's wood charcoal imports decreased. In 2020, imports totaled approximately 2 261 tonnes, representing a significant 17.8% decline compared to 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, imports rose by 50.6%, equating to an annualized growth rate of 14.6%. The highest import volume was recorded in 2019 at 2 750 tonnes, and the largest annual increase occurred in 2018 at 63.0%.

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

During 2017-2020, Indonesia accounted for 75.0% of Egypt's total wood charcoal imports by volume, with the remaining imports distributed among various smaller partners.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

The data shows irregular fluctuations, indicating a volatile market environment. Import values were at their lowest in 2017 and reached their highest in 2019, with a 2-fold difference between these years. In 2020, Egypt's wood charcoal imports were valued at 1 323 thousand US dollars, reflecting a solid contraction of 13.7% compared to the previous year. The highest value was recorded in 2019 at 1 534 thousand US dollars, and the largest annual increase occurred in 2018 at 80.0%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Indonesia remained the dominant source for Egypt's wood charcoal imports by value, holding a 73.8% share of total import flows, while the remainder was fragmented across other markets.

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

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