Wood fuel market in SADC

Earlier Report Observations

The wood fuel market in SADC grew from 199.7 million m³ in 2018 to 203.1 million m³ in 2019. This increase was driven by persistent energy poverty, as high electricity tariffs relative to household income and unreliable grid supply in rural areas sustained strong demand for affordable wood fuel. Population growth further pressured consumption, keeping solid fuel use stable despite electrification efforts.

Market volume continued its steady rise, reaching 205.1 million m³ in 2020 and 206.3 million m³ in 2021. The expansion reflected the ongoing fundamental reliance of many households on wood fuel for cooking and heating, with socio-economic constraints limiting a full transition to alternative energy sources.

By 2023, the physical market reached 210.8 million m³, while its value surged to 24 076 million US dollars. This sharp rise in market value was influenced by global factors, including timber price increases linked to the Russia-Ukraine conflict and elevated fuel costs, which raised wood fuel prices. Underlying demand drivers like urbanization and inflation continued to support consumption volumes.

Production wood fuel in SADC

In kind, 2017-2020, M m³

Top producers of wood fuel, 2017-2020

World map of production of wood fuel, 2017-2020

Wood fuel production in SADC has grown for the third year in a row. In 2020, the region produced 207.4 million cubic meters of wood fuel, marking a 0.8% increase from 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, production rose by 2.9%, with an average annual growth rate of 1.0%.

Annual dynamics of production in SADC in kind, 2017-2020, M m³

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Following two years of growth, wood fuel production in SADC saw a decline in value. In 2020, the output was valued at 20 083 million US dollars, down 0.9% year-on-year. Between 2017 and 2020, production value increased by 26.4%, translating to an annualized rate of 8.1%. The highest value was recorded in 2019 at 20 260 million US dollars, with the largest annual increase of 22.2% also occurring that year.

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

Exports wood fuel from SADC

Exports in kind, K m³

Wood fuel exports from SADC have fallen for the third consecutive year. In 2020, exports amounted to 2 525 thousand cubic meters, a 13.1% decrease compared to the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports dropped by 45.8%, with an average annual decline of 18.5%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from SADC in kind, 2017-2020, K m³

From 2017 to 2020, Japan, China, and India were the primary buyers of wood fuel from SADC in volume terms. Japan accounted for 52.6% of exports, China for 6.8%, and India for 5.2%, together making up 64.7% of total exports.

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, M $ US

Wood fuel exports from SADC have declined in value for the third year running. In 2020, exports totaled 244.6 million US dollars, a 14.6% drop from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, export value decreased by 33.5%, with an average annual decline of 12.7%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Japan, China, and the United Kingdom were the largest buyers of wood fuel from SADC in value terms. Japan represented 51.9% of exports, China 7.2%, and the United Kingdom 5.7%, collectively accounting for 64.9% of total export value.

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 fuel to SADC

Imports in kind, K m³

The market showed an unstable trend throughout the period. Imports peaked in 2017 and fell to their lowest point in 2018, with a 3.8-fold difference between these years. In 2020, wood fuel imports into SADC reached 242 thousand cubic meters, a 30.2% decrease from the previous year. The minimum value was recorded in 2018 at 116 thousand cubic meters. The largest decline occurred in 2018 at 73.7%, while the largest increase was in 2019 at 198.1%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to SADC in kind, 2017-2020, K m³

From 2017 to 2020, Special Categories was the main source for wood fuel imports into SADC, accounting for 1.0% of total imports in volume.

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, M $ US

After two years of growth, wood fuel imports into SADC declined. In 2020, imports were valued at 53.4 million US dollars, reflecting a 19.1% decrease from the previous year. The highest value was recorded in 2019 at 66.0 million US dollars, with the largest annual increase of 16.9% occurring in 2018.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, China, Special Categories, and Germany were consistently the main sources for wood fuel imports into SADC in value terms. China accounted for 4.8% of imports, Special Categories for 1.5%, and Germany for 1.0%, together representing 7.3% of total import value.

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

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