Wood fuel market in Northern Africa

Earlier Report Observations

The wood fuel market in Northern Africa exhibited a pattern of slow but consistent growth from 2018 through 2022, with the total market volume increasing from 53 267 thousand m³ to 53 625 thousand m³. This expansion was driven by a gradual rise in domestic production, which moved from 53 311 thousand m³ to 53 673 thousand m³ over the same period. The market's trajectory shifted in 2023, when both production and market volume declined, falling to 52 868 thousand m³ and 52 824 thousand m³, respectively.

Throughout the observed period, international trade played a minimal role in market dynamics. Both imports and exports remained at low levels, typically under 30 thousand m³ per year. Consequently, changes in the overall market size were almost entirely determined by fluctuations in domestic production capacity and output.

Production wood fuel in Northern Africa

In kind, 2017-2020, K m³

Top producers of wood fuel, 2017-2020

World map of production of wood fuel, 2017-2020

Wood fuel production in Northern Africa increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, the region produced 53 515 thousand cubic meters of wood fuel, showing little to no change compared to the previous year.

Annual dynamics of production in Northern Africa in kind, 2017-2020, K m³

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

After rising for two years, wood fuel production in Northern Africa declined in 2020. The output was valued at 13 068 million US dollars, down 3.8% year-over-year. Between 2017 and 2020, production increased by 37%, which translates to an annualized growth rate of 11.1%. The highest value was recorded in 2019 at 13 582 million US dollars, with the largest increase of 26.1% also occurring that year.

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

Exports wood fuel from Northern Africa

Exports in kind, m³

Wood fuel exports from Northern Africa declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, exports totaled 32 896 cubic meters, marking a sharp contraction of 27.9% compared to the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, exports decreased by 22.7%, equivalent to an annualized decline of 8.2%. The peak volume was recorded in 2018 at 61 897 cubic meters, with the largest increase of 45.5% also occurring in 2018.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Northern Africa in kind, 2017-2020, m³

From 2017 to 2020, Italy, Israel, and Saudi Arabia were the main destinations for wood fuel exports from Northern Africa in volume terms. Italy accounted for 35.8% of exports, Israel for 11.2%, and Saudi Arabia for 10.3%, together representing 57.3% of total export 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

Wood fuel exports from Northern Africa declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, exports reached 8 033 thousand US dollars, a decrease of 30.8% compared to the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, exports increased by 5.2%, equating to an annualized growth rate of 1.7%. The highest value was recorded in 2018 at 12 502 thousand US dollars, with the largest increase of 63.8% also occurring that year.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Italy, Israel, and Saudi Arabia were the three principal markets for wood fuel exports from Northern Africa in value terms, together accounting for 56.2% of total exports.

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 fuel to Northern Africa

Imports in kind, m³

Wood fuel imports into Northern Africa declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, imports were recorded at 11 029 cubic meters, representing a 21.1% reduction year-over-year. Between 2017 and 2020, imports decreased by 75.8%, which corresponds to an annualized decline of 37.7%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Northern Africa in kind, 2017-2020, m³

From 2017 to 2020, Ethiopia, China, and Indonesia were the principal sources for wood fuel imports into Northern Africa in volume terms. Ethiopia accounted for 47.2% of imports, China for 19.8%, and Indonesia for 12.5%, jointly making up 79.6% of total import flows.

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

Wood fuel imports into Northern Africa declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, imports totaled 9 650 thousand US dollars, down 9.2% from the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports increased by 23.3%, with a compound annual growth rate of 7.2%. The highest value was recorded in 2018 at 12 169 thousand US dollars, with the largest increase of 55.5% occurring that year. The largest decline was recorded in 2019 at 12.7%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, China, Ethiopia, and Indonesia were the largest suppliers of wood fuel to Northern Africa in value terms. China accounted for 57.1% of imports, Ethiopia for 15.1%, and Indonesia for 12.1%, together forming 84.3% of total import value.

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

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