Wood charcoal market in SADC

Earlier Report Observations

Wood charcoal production in SADC grew steadily from 9.5 million tonnes in 2018 to 10.9 million tonnes in 2023, with a notable surge of 9% in 2022. This expansion was driven by industrial demand, particularly from silicon smelting which uses charcoal as a reductant, and was shaped by environmental legislation that influenced production methods.

On the supply side, reliable raw material from key species like Mopane and Eucalyptus, combined with technological advances in timber processing, supported output. Strict fire-risk regulations mandated safer kiln operations, especially in dry seasons, ensuring continuous production. The market also diversified with new segments such as biochar and briquettes, emerging from workshops and technology demonstrations.

Consumer preference for charcoal in traditional braai gatherings provided a stable domestic demand base. Sustainability certifications like PEFC enhanced market access for certified products, while industry events and investments by state-owned companies in processing facilities underscored the focus on sustainable forestry and sector growth.

Production wood charcoal in SADC

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 SADC has grown for the third year in a row. In 2020, the region produced 9,660 thousand tonnes, marking a 0.8% increase from the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, production rose by 4.2%, with an average annual growth rate of 1.4%.

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

Exports wood charcoal from SADC

Exports in kind, K t

Wood charcoal exports from SADC have increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, exports reached 154.8 thousand tonnes, showing a strong year-over-year growth of 22.8%. Between 2017 and 2020, exports grew by 59.1%, which translates to an annualized rate of 16.7%. The lowest export volume was recorded in 2018 at 80.5 thousand tonnes, with the largest decline of 17.3% occurring that same year. In contrast, the largest increase of 56.5% was observed in 2019.

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

From 2017 to 2020, wood charcoal exports from SADC were widely distributed across various countries. The United Kingdom accounted for 19.2% of exports, the Netherlands for 11.7%, and Poland for 6.7%, together making up 37.6% of total flows. The remaining 62.4% was spread among numerous other destinations.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

Wood charcoal exports from SADC have risen for the third year in a row. In 2020, the value of these exports was $65,892 thousand, reflecting a modest 8.8% increase compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, export value grew by 57.8%, with an average annual growth rate of 16.4%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, the main destinations for SADC's wood charcoal exports in value terms were the United Kingdom, with a 30.9% share, the Netherlands at 14.0%, and Belgium at 6.3%. Together, these three countries accounted for 51.2% of total export flows.

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

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

Imports wood charcoal to SADC

Imports in kind, K t

Wood charcoal imports into SADC have declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, imports totaled 5.5 thousand tonnes, representing a sharp decrease of 51.3% from 2019. From 2017 to 2020, imports fell by 35.7%, with an average annual decline of 13.7%. The highest import volume was recorded in 2018 at 11.6 thousand tonnes, which also saw the largest increase of 35.6% that year.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Special Categories and China were the primary sources for wood charcoal imports into SADC, together accounting for 7.8% of total import flows.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

After two years of growth, wood charcoal imports into SADC declined. In 2020, the import value was $14,433 thousand, down 19.0% year-over-year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, import value increased by 16.2%, with an average annual growth rate of 5.1%. The peak value was recorded in 2019 at $17,829 thousand, while the largest increase of 25.2% occurred in 2018.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, the largest suppliers of wood charcoal to SADC in value terms were China, with a 16.8% share, Special Categories at 4.4%, and Malaysia at 1.5%. Combined, these sources made up 22.7% of total imports.

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

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