Wood in the rough market in Kuwait

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2020, the market volume for wood in the rough in Kuwait showed initial growth followed by a contraction. In 2018, the market reached 15 518 tons, driven by activity from both state-owned and private construction companies, which increased demand for wood used in building projects. This expansion continued into 2019, with the market volume rising to 17 898 tons, supported by sustained construction sector momentum. However, in 2020, the market fell to 16 308 tons as the COVID-19 pandemic reduced activity in the oil sector and related industries, including construction, curtailing wood consumption.

The period from 2021 to 2023 saw a recovery and subsequent shift in market dynamics. In 2021, market volume recovered to 17 003 tons as economic activity gradually improved post-pandemic, boosting demand for construction materials. The following year, however, the market dropped sharply to 14 996 tons, primarily due to growing demand for wood substitutes in interior décor, which gained popularity for their ease of installation and cost-effectiveness, competing with natural wood. By 2023, the market stabilized at 15 026 tons, as the expansion of Kuwait's construction market, marked by the entry of new players and increased investments, supported wood demand, partially offsetting the substitution trend.

Production wood in the rough in Kuwait

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Top producers of wood in the rough, 2017-2020

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

Wood in the rough production in Kuwait has increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, Kuwait produced 13 574 tonnes of wood in the rough, marking a 1.1% year-over-year rise. Between 2017 and 2020, production grew by 3.2%, which translates to an annualized rate of 1.1%.

Annual dynamics of production in Kuwait in kind, 2017-2020, t

Exports wood in the rough from Kuwait

Exports in kind, t

Wood in the rough exports from Kuwait declined for the second consecutive year. In 2019, export volume dropped to 0.0 tonnes, down 99.7% from the previous year. Between 2017 and 2019, exports decreased by 99.9%, equating to an annualized rate of 89.3%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Egypt (43.1% of exports in kind), Bahrain (27.9% of exports in kind), and Qatar (22.9% of exports in kind) were the main markets for Kuwait's wood in the rough exports in kind, collectively accounting for 93.9% of total flows.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

Market performance showed noticeable fluctuations during this period. Exports peaked in 2018 at 35 K $ US and reached their lowest point in 2019 at 0.1 K $ US, a 236-fold difference. In 2019, wood in the rough shipments from Kuwait abroad totaled 0.1 K $ US, down 99.6% compared to the previous year. The largest increase was recorded in 2018 at 178.5%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Bahrain and Egypt accounted for 80.7% of total exports in value terms, with the remaining share distributed among other destinations, each contributing smaller amounts.

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

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

Imports wood in the rough to Kuwait

Imports in kind, t

The data reveals irregular changes, indicating a volatile market environment. Imports reached their lowest point in 2018 at 2 236 tonnes and peaked in 2019 at 4 466 tonnes, a 2-fold difference. In 2020, Kuwait imported 2 734 tonnes of wood in the rough, a steep decline of 38.8% year-over-year. The largest decline occurred in 2018 at 40.1%, while the largest increase was in 2019 at 99.8%.

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

Over 2017–2020, Gabon (33.0% of imports in kind), Russia (17.6% of imports in kind), and Niger (17.6% of imports in kind) made the biggest contributions to imports in kind, jointly accounting for 68.2% of total flows.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

Market performance exhibited noticeable fluctuations during this period. Imports were lowest in 2020 at 1 317 K $ US and highest in 2019 at 2 606 K $ US, reflecting a 2-fold gap. In 2020, Kuwait imported 1 317 K $ US of wood in the rough, showing an abrupt fall of 49.4% versus the previous year. The largest increase was recorded in 2019 at 95.1%.

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

Over 2017–2020, Gabon (31.2% of imports in value terms), Russia (15.3% of imports in value terms), and Niger (13.9% of imports in value terms) stood out as the main markets for imports in value terms, together representing 60.4% of total flows.

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

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