Wood in the rough market in Madagascar

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2023, the market volume for wood in the rough in Madagascar grew steadily from 9 657 thousand tonnes to 10 514 thousand tonnes. This expansion was primarily driven by strong and persistent demand for both sawn timber and fuelwood, which frequently outstripped the forests' sustainable capacity, encouraging increased harvesting activity. The rising number of loggers and higher wood prices due to resource scarcity further stimulated production.

Key regulatory measures shaped the sector's development. In 2020, the Ministry of Environment upheld a ban on the exploitation and export of precious woods like rosewood and ebony, while also enacting an organic agriculture law that promoted more sustainable land management practices. These actions, combined with continuous efforts to combat illegal trafficking through specialized enforcement and inventory controls, helped direct activity toward regulated production channels.

The government reinforced timber traceability and strict controls over precious woods from 2022 onward, employing satellite monitoring to curb illicit trade. Despite ongoing challenges such as illegal logging in protected areas, these oversight mechanisms supported market stability. The sustained high demand for energy wood kept charcoal prices elevated, reflecting continued pressure on forest resources as the overall market volume climbed each year.

Production wood in the rough in Madagascar

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

Madagascar's production of wood in the rough has increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, the country produced 10 000 thousand tons, marking a 1.7% rise from 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production grew by 5.4%, with an average annual growth rate of 1.8%.

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

Exports wood in the rough from Madagascar

Exports in kind, t

The market showed an unstable trend throughout the period. The minimum export volume was recorded in 2018 at 8.3 tons, while the maximum reached 547.8 tons in 2020, representing a 66-fold difference. In 2020, Madagascar's exports of wood in the rough totaled 547.8 tons, which is 234.9% higher than the previous year. The largest decline occurred in 2018, with a drop of 95.3%, while the largest increase was in 2019, surging by 1 875.8%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Comoros was the primary destination for exports in kind, accounting for 78.1% of total flows. Other markets contributed smaller shares, forming a long tail of minor partners.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

Madagascar's exports of wood in the rough in value terms have increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, the country exported 133.3 thousand US dollars worth of wood in the rough, an 81.3% rise compared to the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, exports grew by 205.5%, equivalent to an annualized rate of 45.1%.

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

During 2017–2020, the country structure of exports in value terms was highly concentrated, with Italy and Comoros together accounting for 89.4% of total flows. Other partners made up the remaining share.

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

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

Imports wood in the rough to Madagascar

Imports in kind, t

The data reveals irregular changes, indicating a volatile market environment. The minimum import volume was recorded in 2017, while the maximum was in 2018 at 943.7 tons, showing a 32-fold variation. In 2020, Madagascar imported 553.6 tons of wood in the rough, a solid reduction of 14.4% relative to the prior year. The largest decline occurred in 2019, falling by 31.5%, while the largest increase was in 2018, jumping by 3 093.5%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, South Africa was the key and almost sole market for imports in kind of wood in the rough to Madagascar, accounting for 97.5% of total flows.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

There were noticeable fluctuations in market performance during the period. The minimum import value was in 2017, while the peak was in 2018 at 571.9 thousand US dollars, representing a 22-fold change. In 2020, Madagascar's imports of wood in the rough were recorded at 294.3 thousand US dollars, indicating a sharp contraction of 35.5% year-over-year. The largest increase was recorded in 2018, rising by 2 109.2%.

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

In 2017–2020, 98.4% of total imports in value terms of wood in the rough to Madagascar was directed to South Africa, making this market overwhelmingly dominant.

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

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