Wood in the rough market in Congo

Earlier Report Observations

The wood in the rough market in Congo began the period with significant production volumes, supported by the entry of new players such as Maniema Union 2, which obtained logging concessions despite a moratorium, and the start of substantial exports to China. However, market volume gradually declined from 1.87 million tonnes in 2018 to 1.75 million tonnes in 2020 as the government introduced a legality grid for industrial timber exploitation to align with EU market requirements, tightening regulatory oversight and beginning the development of a national sustainable forest management standard.

Market volume rebounded to 1.83 million tonnes in 2021 amid increased parliamentary scrutiny of natural resource management and discussions on permitting protected redwood species. The following year, volume dipped to 1.72 million tonnes as strong international demand and higher local wood prices, driven by scarcity, encouraged greater export flows, reducing domestic availability.

In 2023, the market surged by 22% to 2.11 million tonnes, its highest level in the period. This jump coincided with the official approval of the national FSC forest management standard, which enhanced prospects for certified timber, and a sustained rise in domestic wood prices that boosted local consumption while exports fell sharply.

Production wood in the rough in Congo

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

Congo's production of wood in the rough declined for the second year in a row. In 2020, the country produced 2 265 K t, marking a slight year-over-year contraction of 2.7%. Looking at the period from 2017 to 2020, production fell by 7.3%, with an average annual decline of 2.5%. The highest production level was recorded in 2018 at 2 552 K t, which represented a 4.5% increase from the previous year. The largest drop occurred in 2019, with an 8.8% decrease.

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

Exports wood in the rough from Congo

Exports in kind, K t

Congo's exports of wood in the rough fell for the second consecutive year. In 2020, exports totaled 511.2 K t, a 6.3% decline compared to 2019. From 2017 to 2020, exports decreased by 16.5%, equating to an average annual rate of 5.8%. The peak export volume was in 2018 at 681.8 K t, which saw an 11.3% increase. The sharpest decline was in 2019, with a 20.0% drop.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Congo's exports of wood in the rough were heavily concentrated on China, which accounted for 80.7% of total flows. Other trading partners made up the remaining volume.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

In 2020, Congo exported wood in the rough worth 180.6 million US dollars, showing a moderate year-over-year decrease of 5.9%. The lowest value was recorded in 2018 at 172.5 million US dollars, while the highest was in 2019 at 192.0 million US dollars, representing an 11.3% increase from the previous year.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Congo's exports of wood in the rough in value terms were largely focused on China, which made up 85.5% of total flows. Other countries together accounted for the remaining share.

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

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

Imports wood in the rough to Congo

Imports in kind, K t

The import market for wood in the rough in Congo showed significant volatility during this period. Import levels fluctuated widely, with a 23-fold difference between the low in 2018 and the high in 2019. In 2020, imports dropped sharply to 0.0 K t, an 83.7% decline from the previous year. The peak import volume was in 2019 at 0.0 K t, which saw a dramatic increase of 2,174.9%.

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

Throughout 2017 to 2020, Cameroon dominated Congo's imports of wood in the rough in kind, holding 70.3% of total flows. Other countries each had significantly smaller shares.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

Congo's import market for wood in the rough exhibited volatility from 2017 to 2020. Imports peaked in 2019 and hit their lowest point in 2018, with a 15-fold gap between these years. In 2020, imports amounted to 0.0 million US dollars, a 34.8% decrease from the previous year. The highest value was in 2019 at 0.0 million US dollars, which saw a substantial increase of 1,435.6%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Congo's imports of wood in the rough in value terms were primarily directed towards Cameroon and Belgium, which together accounted for 80.1% of total flows. Other destinations played a secondary role.

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

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