Wood in the rough market in Botswana

Earlier Report Observations

The market for wood in the rough in Botswana demonstrated moderate expansion from 2018 to 2023, with total volume rising from 549.9 thousand tons to 561.8 thousand tons. This growth was entirely driven by changes in import volumes, as domestic production remained virtually constant at just over 522 thousand tons annually throughout the period.

Market volume peaked at 569.0 thousand tons in 2021, following a slight contraction in 2020. The subsequent years saw a stabilization of demand, with the market settling around 560-562 thousand tons, reflecting a mature phase of consumption supported by reliable local output.

The consistent production levels highlight Botswana's stable forestry output, while import fluctuations between 27 and 46 thousand tons annually adjusted to meet domestic needs. The overall market resilience is evident in its sustained growth trajectory over the six-year span, despite minor yearly variations.

Production wood in the rough in Botswana

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

Botswana's production of wood in the rough remained stable at 523.0 thousand tonnes in 2020, showing no change from the previous year. The most significant production shifts occurred in 2018, with both the largest decline and increase recorded at 0.0%.

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

Exports wood in the rough from Botswana

Exports in kind, t

Market performance showed noticeable fluctuations during this period. Export volumes reached their lowest point in 2019 at 8 tonnes, then surged to 17 tonnes in 2020, representing a 2.1-fold increase and a sharp year-on-year growth of 112.2%. The most substantial decline occurred in 2019, falling by 42.5%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, South Africa and Zambia were the dominant destinations for Botswana's wood in the rough exports, together accounting for 80.6% of total flows, with other markets making up the remainder.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

Wood in the rough exports from Botswana declined for the third consecutive year, with shipments valued at 4 thousand US dollars in 2020, marking an abrupt decrease of 26.6% from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports fell by 85.8%, representing a compound annual growth rate of -47.8%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, South Africa (56.3% of export value), Namibia (20.2%), and Zambia (19.4%) continued to lead as the primary buyers of Botswana's wood in the rough, collectively accounting for 95.8% of total export value.

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

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

Imports wood in the rough to Botswana

Imports in kind, t

Botswana's wood in the rough imports reached 33 170 tonnes in 2020, showing a gradual decline of 7.8% compared to 2019. The minimum import volume was recorded in 2018 at 27 060 tonnes, while the maximum occurred in 2019 at 35 990 tonnes. The most significant decline took place in 2018, falling by 21.7%, while the largest increase was in 2019, rising by 33.0%. Overall, imports decreased by 4% between 2017 and 2020, equating to an annualized rate of -1.4%.

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

Throughout the 2017-2020 period, South Africa was the main supplier of wood in the rough to Botswana, accounting for 88.2% of total imports in kind, while other trading partners held relatively modest shares.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

Foreign wood in the rough supplies to Botswana amounted to 11 359 thousand US dollars in 2020, representing a substantial decline of 12.5% from the previous year. The minimum value was recorded in 2018 at 10 728 thousand US dollars, while the maximum occurred in 2019 at 12 980 thousand US dollars. The largest increase took place in 2019, rising by 21.0%. Overall, imports increased by 5.5% between 2017 and 2020, equating to an annualized growth rate of 1.8%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, South Africa dominated Botswana's import structure in value terms, accounting for 92.8% of total flows.

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

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