Wood charcoal market in Morocco

Earlier Report Observations

The Moroccan wood charcoal market volume grew steadily from 117.9 thousand tons in 2018 to 125.1 thousand tons in 2023. This expansion was initially influenced by quantitative restrictions on wood charcoal imports imposed in 2018, which aimed to regulate the local market structure. Subsequent growth was reinforced by a recovery in demand, particularly evident in 2020 when seasonal heating needs and increased consumption ahead of Eid al-Adha boosted the market.

From 2021, the market saw the emergence of new segments with the development of green charcoal, such as biochar briquettes made from agricultural waste. This innovation catered to evolving consumer preferences for more sustainable products. Furthermore, from 2023 onward, the proliferation of clandestine charcoal production units contributed to an increase in overall supply, supporting market volume growth.

By 2024, the market context included a significant rise in domestic wood prices, driven by strong global demand, which affected production costs. Concurrently, the development of charcoal briquettes and other green charcoal alternatives continued to gain traction, reflecting a broader shift within the sector despite the stable growth in overall consumption.

Production wood charcoal in Morocco

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of wood charcoal, 2017-2020

World map of production of wood charcoal, 2017-2020

Morocco's wood charcoal production has increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, the country produced 119.6 thousand tons of wood charcoal, marking a 1.0% rise from 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, production grew by 3.2%, which translates to an annualized growth rate of 1.0%.

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

Exports wood charcoal from Morocco

Exports in kind, t

Morocco's wood charcoal export volume has declined for the second consecutive year. In 2019, exports amounted to 0.4 tons, representing a sharp decrease of 98.2% compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2019, exports fell by 99.7%, with a compound annual growth rate of -85.2%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, China, Jordan, and the United Arab Emirates were the key partners for Morocco's wood charcoal exports in kind. China accounted for 40.5% of exports, Jordan for 38.9%, and the United Arab Emirates for 15.3%. Together, these three countries made up 94.7% of total export flows.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

Morocco's wood charcoal export volume has declined for the second consecutive year. In 2019, exports totaled 0.2 thousand US dollars, showing a significant drop of 99.4% from the previous year. Between 2017 and 2019, exports decreased by 99.9%, equating to an annualized decline rate of 88.7%.

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

During 2017–2020, China, Jordan, and the United Arab Emirates were the principal destinations for Morocco's wood charcoal exports in value terms. China represented 50.4% of exports, Jordan 28.2%, and the United Arab Emirates 20.1%. Collectively, they accounted for 98.8% of total export flows.

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

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

Imports wood charcoal to Morocco

Imports in kind, t

Morocco's wood charcoal import volume has increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, imports reached 1 280 tons, reflecting a modest rise of 6.7% compared to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports grew by 112.7%, with a compound annual growth rate of 28.6%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, China, France, and Indonesia were the main sources for Morocco's wood charcoal imports in kind. China contributed 66.0% of imports, France 13.0%, and Indonesia 11.8%. Together, these three countries represented 90.8% of total import flows.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

Morocco's wood charcoal import volume has increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, imports amounted to approximately 2 740 thousand US dollars, indicating a measured advance of 4.7% from 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, imports rose by 135.5%, which corresponds to an annualized growth rate of 33.0%.

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

In 2017–2020, China, Indonesia, and France formed the main cluster of markets for Morocco's wood charcoal imports in value terms. China accounted for 67.1% of imports, Indonesia for 12.2%, and France for 11.9%. Their combined share totaled 91.2% of overall import flows.

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

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