Wood in the rough market in SADC

Earlier Report Observations

The physical volume of the wood in the rough market in SADC grew steadily from 153.0 million tonnes in 2018 to 159.4 million tonnes in 2023, while its market value in US dollars declined from 37 745 million to 26 183 million over the same period. This contrast was shaped by global log price movements and shifts in demand for wood products.

In 2020, the Global Sawlog Price Index rose 8% in the fourth quarter due to increased log demand in North America and Europe, affecting raw material costs worldwide. By 2022, wood raw-material costs for sawmills eased as lumber demand and prices fell, and a stronger US dollar lowered log costs in dollar terms. Concurrently, increased enforcement against bark stripping in South African forests pointed to tighter environmental regulations that could influence wood supply.

Advancements in timber cutting machine technology and growing demand for wood-based products supported market development, while consumer preferences shifted toward natural wood tones and sustainable options. Global supply chain disruptions and tariff uncertainties continued to affect wood trade flows in the region.

Production wood in the rough in SADC

In kind, 2017-2020, M t

Top producers of wood in the rough, 2017-2020

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

SADC's production of wood in the rough has grown for the third year in a row. In 2020, the region produced 156.2 million tonnes, marking a 0.7% increase compared to the previous year. Looking at the period from 2017 to 2020, production rose by 4%, with an average annual growth rate of 1.3%.

Annual dynamics of production in SADC in kind, 2017-2020, M t

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Following two years of growth, wood in the rough production in SADC saw a decline. In 2020, the output was valued at 31 139 million US dollars, representing a 19.7% drop from the year before. Over the 2017-2020 period, production decreased by 17.2%, with a compound annual growth rate of -6.1%. The highest value was recorded in 2019 at 38 789 million US dollars, which also saw the largest increase of 2.8%.

Annual dynamics of production in SADC in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Exports wood in the rough from SADC

Exports in kind, K t

Wood in the rough exports from SADC have increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, exports reached 720.6 thousand tonnes, up 8.8% from 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, exports grew by 67%, translating to an annualized growth rate of 18.7%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, China, Vietnam, and India were the leading destinations for SADC's wood in the rough exports in volume terms. China accounted for 34.4% of exports, Vietnam for 15.9%, and India for 6.4%. Together, these three countries made up 56.8% of total export flows.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

After two years of growth, wood in the rough exports from SADC declined. In 2020, exports were valued at 143.7 million US dollars, showing a significant drop of 13.2% compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports increased by 33%, with a compound annual growth rate of 10.0%. The peak value was recorded in 2019 at 165.6 million US dollars, which also saw the largest increase of 28.5%.

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

During 2017-2020, China, Vietnam, and India were the largest buyers of wood in the rough from SADC in value terms. China represented 32.2% of exports, Vietnam 16.2%, and India 3.6%. Collectively, these three countries accounted for 52.1% of total export value.

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

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

Imports wood in the rough to SADC

Imports in kind, K t

The import market showed an unstable trend over the period. Imports reached their lowest point in 2020 at 119.5 thousand tonnes, down 8.7% from the previous year. The peak was in 2018 at 236.1 thousand tonnes, resulting in a two-fold difference between the high and low points. The largest decline occurred in 2019 at 44.6%, while the largest increase was in 2018 at 77.2%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Malaysia, Thailand, and China were the main sources for wood in the rough imports to SADC in volume terms. Malaysia contributed 1.2% of imports, Thailand 0.8%, and China 0.6%. Together, these three countries accounted for 2.5% of total import flows.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

The import market exhibited volatility during the observed period. Imports dropped to their lowest point in 2020, valued at 43.5 million US dollars, a sharp decline of 12.5% from the previous year. The peak was in 2018 at 131.2 million US dollars, creating a three-fold difference between the high and low values. The largest decline occurred in 2019 at 62.1%, while the largest increase was in 2018 at 168.0%.

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

Over 2017-2020, Malaysia, China, and Indonesia made the biggest contributions to SADC's wood in the rough imports in value terms. Malaysia accounted for 3.7% of imports, China for 0.6%, and Indonesia for 0.6%. Collectively, these three countries represented 4.9% of total import flows.

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

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