Wood in the rough market in Benin

Earlier Report Observations

The market volume for wood in the rough in Benin grew steadily from 4 537 тыс. т in 2018 to 4 656 тыс. т in 2023, driven by sustained domestic demand estimated at 120 000–160 000 m³ annually. This demand consistently outpaced domestic production capacity, which was constrained by ongoing deforestation at a rate of 2.2% per year and persistent anthropogenic pressures such as slash‑and‑burn agriculture and illegal logging. The gradual increase in volume was supported by the rising role of private forest plantations, which began to contribute more to timber supply.

In value terms, the market expanded from $1 422 млн in 2018 to $1 677 млн in 2021, then contracted to $1 501 млн in 2022 before recovering to $1 555 млн in 2023. The initial growth coincided with the government's focus on industrialization and local processing, which strengthened the secondary wood processing sector. The 2022 decline reflected continued challenges in forest governance and overexploitation of natural resources, while the 2023 rebound aligned with renewed efforts to boost formal industrial jobs and value‑added timber transformation.

A pivotal regulatory change occurred in 2024 when the Beninese government banned the export of unprocessed wood and non‑processed wood products to preserve forest resources and promote domestic processing. This measure was accompanied by updated export regulations, enhanced timber traceability systems, and intensified reforestation campaigns. Private plantations, which by then supplied nearly 70% of exported wood products, are expected to play a central role in meeting future demand under the new export‑oriented industrial policy.

Production wood in the rough in Benin

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of wood in the rough, 2017-2020

World map of production of wood in the rough, 2017-2020

Benin's wood in the rough production increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, the country produced 4 584 K t, which remained relatively stable compared to 2019.

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

Exports wood in the rough from Benin

Exports in kind, t

Wood in the rough exports from Benin declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, exports amounted to 888 t, marking a 47.7% decrease from the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, exports fell by 83.4%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of -45.1%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, India remained the primary destination for exports in kind, accounting for 87.3% of total flows. The remaining share was distributed among various smaller markets.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

Wood in the rough exports from Benin declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, exports totaled 312 K $ US, showing a sharp decline of 46.4% compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, exports decreased by 87.5%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of -50.0%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, India was the main direction for exports in value terms, representing 78.0% of total flows. Other markets formed a long tail of smaller partners.

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

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

Imports wood in the rough to Benin

Imports in kind, t

The market exhibited significant volatility during these years. Imports peaked in 2017 and reached their lowest point in 2018, with a 28-fold difference between these two years. In 2020, Benin imported approximately 24 t of wood in the rough, equivalent to a sudden decline of 96.5% from the previous year.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the country structure of imports in kind was highly concentrated, with France and Spain together accounting for 82.2% of total flows. Other partners formed a residual tail.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

The market showed considerable volatility during these years. Import levels fluctuated significantly, with an 81-fold difference between the high in 2017 and the low in 2018. In 2020, Benin's wood in the rough import volume totaled 16 K $ US, representing a 98.8% reduction compared to the previous year.

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

From 2017 to 2020, France was the key supplier of wood in the rough to Benin, accounting for 87.5% of total imports in value terms. A diversified group of other countries made up the remainder.

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

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