Wood charcoal market in Northern Africa, 2026

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2020, the wood charcoal market in Northern Africa experienced consistent growth in physical volume, rising from 3.2 million tons to 3.3 million tons. This initial expansion was supported by a global increase in coal demand, which maintained coal's role as a primary energy source. However, the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 led to a nearly 4% drop in worldwide coal consumption, causing the market's value to fall to $1.7 billion despite a slight rise in volume.

The market value rebounded sharply in 2021, jumping 29% to $2.2 billion, driven by a strong global recovery in coal consumption of 7.7%, largely for electricity generation. After a modest value contraction in 2022, both volume and value grew again in 2023, with the market reaching 3.3 million tons and $2.4 billion, fueled by increasing worldwide demand for charcoal as an eco-friendly alternative and for barbecue products.

Production wood charcoal in Northern Africa

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of wood charcoal, 2017-2020

World map of production of wood charcoal, 2017-2020

Northern Africa's wood charcoal production increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, the region produced 3 275 K t of wood charcoal, marking a 0.7% rise compared to the previous year.

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

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

After two years of growth, Northern Africa's wood charcoal production value declined. In 2020, the output was valued at 1 673 M $ US, representing an 11.0% decrease from the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, production increased by 19%, averaging a 6.0% annual growth rate. The highest value was recorded in 2019 at 1 880 M $ US, with the largest increase occurring in 2018 at 26.2%.

Annual dynamics of production in Northern Africa in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Exports wood charcoal from Northern Africa

Exports in kind, t

Following two years of growth, Northern Africa's wood charcoal exports declined. In 2020, exports totaled 13 467 t, showing a modest 7.9% decrease from the prior year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, exports increased by 35.6%, with a compound annual growth rate of 10.7%. The peak was reached in 2019 at 14 620 t, while the largest increase was recorded in 2018 at 41.2%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Israel, Saudi Arabia, and Jordan were the main destinations for Northern Africa's wood charcoal exports in kind. Israel accounted for 26.2% of exports, Saudi Arabia for 22.7%, and Jordan for 10.6%, together making up 59.5% of total flows.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

The market showed significant volatility during these years. Exports varied by 1.9 times between the low in 2017 and the high in 2019. In 2020, wood charcoal exports from Northern Africa were valued at 6 879 K $ US, reflecting a sharp 18.6% drop from 2019. The highest value was recorded in 2019 at 8 448 K $ US, with the largest increase occurring in 2018 at 77.0%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Israel, Saudi Arabia, and Jordan remained the key destinations for Northern Africa's wood charcoal exports in value terms. Israel held 29.6% of exports, Saudi Arabia 17.8%, and Jordan 12.3%, collectively accounting for 59.8% of total flows.

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

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

Imports wood charcoal to Northern Africa

Imports in kind, t

The market experienced an unstable trend over this period. Imports fluctuated by 2.4 times between the low in 2017 and the high in 2019. In 2020, wood charcoal imports into Northern Africa amounted to 6 100 t, indicating a 5.9% year-on-year decline. The peak was recorded in 2019 at 6 485 t, with the largest increase in 2018 at 114.0%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, China and Indonesia were the primary sources for Northern Africa's wood charcoal imports in kind, together representing 87.0% of total flows, while other partners accounted for the remainder.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

The market displayed an unstable trend throughout this timeframe. Imports varied by 2.7 times from the low in 2017 to the peak in 2019. In 2020, Northern Africa's wood charcoal imports reached 9 296 K $ US, showing a slight 3.9% contraction compared to 2019. The highest value was recorded in 2019 at 9 671 K $ US, with the largest increase in 2018 at 138.1%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, China dominated Northern Africa's wood charcoal imports in value terms, accounting for 73.7% of total flows, with a diverse range of other markets making up the rest.

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

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