Wood fuel market in South Africa

Earlier Report Observations

The wood fuel market in South Africa experienced notable fluctuations in volume and value between 2018 and 2023. The market volume grew from 9 447 thousand m³ in 2018 to a peak of 10 842 thousand m³ in 2020, then declined over the next two years before recovering to 11 015 thousand m³ in 2023. In monetary terms, the market value followed a similar pattern, rising from 593.9 million USD to 733.6 million USD over the same period.

These changes in market size were largely driven by shifts in international trade. Domestic production remained relatively stable, ranging from 12 026 to 12 650 thousand m³ annually. The market contraction in 2021 and 2022 coincided with periods of higher export volumes, while the rebound in 2023 was supported by increased imports and a reduction in exports.

By 2025, the sector attracted investment focused on modernizing production, with clean fuel pellet manufacturing plants in Port Elizabeth boosting the development of sustainable wood pellet and high-value energy chains through upgraded technology.

Production wood fuel in South Africa

In kind, 2018-2021, K m³

Top producers of wood fuel, 2018-2021

World map of production of wood fuel, 2018-2021

Wood fuel production in South Africa increased for the second consecutive year. In 2021, the country produced 12 600 K m³ of wood fuel, marking a 2.9% rise compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2018 to 2021, production grew by 4.8%, with a compound annual growth rate of 1.6%. The lowest production level was recorded in 2019 at 12 025 K m³, while the largest decline occurred in the same year, with a 0.0% change.

Annual dynamics of production in South Africa in kind, 2018-2021, K m³

In value, 2018-2021, M $ US

Wood fuel production in South Africa declined for the second consecutive year. In 2021, the output was valued at 840.3 M $ US, showing a 5.3% drop compared to 2020. Between 2018 and 2021, production increased by 6%, equating to an annualized rate of 2.0%. The highest value was recorded in 2019 at 887.6 M $ US, with the largest increase also occurring in that year at 12.0%.

Annual dynamics of production in South Africa in value, 2018-2021, M $ US

Exports wood fuel from South Africa

Exports in kind, K m³

After a two-year decline, wood fuel exports from South Africa increased. In 2021, exports amounted to 3 550 K m³, which is 52.5% higher than the previous year. Over the period from 2018 to 2021, exports decreased by 4.9%, with a compound annual growth rate of 1.7%. The lowest export volume was recorded in 2020 at 2 328 K m³, while the largest decline occurred in 2019 with a 23.3% drop.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from South Africa in kind, 2018-2021, K m³

From 2018 to 2021, Japan and China remained the main buyers of wood fuel from South Africa, together accounting for 81.2% of total exports in kind. The remaining exports were distributed among various other countries.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's exports from South Africa in kind, 2018-2021

Exports in value, M $ US

After a two-year decrease, wood fuel exports from South Africa rose. In 2021, exports reached 236.8 M $ US, up by 40.4% compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2018 to 2021, exports decreased by 3.8%, with a compound annual growth rate of 1.3%. The lowest value was recorded in 2020 at 168.6 M $ US, with the largest decline also occurring in that year at 20.2%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from South Africa in value, 2018-2021, M $ US

From 2018 to 2021, Japan, China, and the United Kingdom consistently held leading positions in South Africa's wood fuel export structure by value. Japan accounted for 66.1% of exports, China for 11.7%, and the United Kingdom for 6.0%, together making up 83.8% of total export flows.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's exports from South Africa in value, 2018-2021

Imports wood fuel to South Africa

Imports in kind, K m³

South Africa imported 1 237 K m³ of wood fuel in 2021, up by 34.5% compared to the previous year. Between 2018 and 2021, imports increased by 7.2%, equating to an annualized rate of 2.3%. The lowest import volume was recorded in 2020 at 920 K m³, while the highest was in 2019 at 1 276 K m³. The largest decline occurred in 2020 with a 28.0% drop.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to South Africa in kind, 2018-2021, K m³

From 2018 to 2021, Eswatini was the primary source for South Africa's wood fuel imports in kind, accounting for 79.7% of total flows. Other markets contributed smaller shares, forming a diverse range of partners.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's imports to South Africa in kind, 2018-2021

Imports in value, M $ US

In 2021, South Africa's wood fuel imports reached 61.5 M $ US, reflecting a 55.0% increase year-over-year. Between 2018 and 2021, imports grew by 30.5%, equating to an annualized rate of 9.3%. The lowest value was recorded in 2020 at 39.6 M $ US, with the largest decline also occurring in that year at 24.8%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to South Africa in value, 2018-2021, M $ US

From 2018 to 2021, Eswatini and Namibia together captured 88.1% of South Africa's total wood fuel imports by value. The remaining imports were spread thinly across other markets.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's imports to South Africa in value, 2018-2021