Wood in the rough market in South Africa

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2020, South Africa's wood in the rough market volume increased from 17 660 to 18 066 thousand tons. This gradual expansion was supported by Forestry South Africa's active representation of the forestry industry, promoting sustainability and rural development. In 2020, global wood raw-material costs fell, with the Hardwood Fiber Price Index reaching a 16-year low, which reduced production expenses and helped maintain output. Additionally, the announcement of a Russian softwood log export ban effective January 2022 signaled future shifts in global timber supply chains.

Between 2021 and 2023, market volume continued to rise, reaching 18 299 thousand tons by 2023, though growth slowed with stabilization in 2022. This period coincided with multiple external pressures: wet weather and labor supply constraints in South Africa limited log availability and mill production in 2022. Globally, the Russia-Ukraine conflict and rising fuel and shipping costs increased expenses, while reduced lumber production in North America during 2023 affected worldwide supply. These factors contributed to significant fluctuations in market value, which dropped from $3 264 million in 2021 to $2 815 million in 2023.

Looking ahead, new import tariffs implemented in the United States in October 2025 are expected to restrict supply and push lumber prices higher, potentially influencing global trade flows and South African market conditions.

Production wood in the rough in South Africa

In kind, 2018-2021, K t

From 2018 to 2021, South Africa ranked 28th globally in the production of wood in the rough.

Top producers of wood in the rough, 2018-2021

World map of production of wood in the rough, 2018-2021

South Africa's production of wood in the rough grew for the third year in a row. In 2021, the country produced 18 725 thousand tonnes, marking a slight year-on-year increase of 1.2%. Over the period from 2018 to 2021, production rose by 3.7%, which translates to an average annual growth rate of 1.2%.

Annual dynamics of production in South Africa in kind, 2018-2021, K t

In value, 2018-2021, M $ US

Following a two-year decline, South Africa's production of wood in the rough rebounded. In 2021, the output was valued at 3 341 million US dollars, reflecting a strong year-on-year increase of 20.0%. The lowest value was recorded in 2020 at 2 785 million US dollars, while the largest decline occurred in 2019, with a drop of 12.2%.

Annual dynamics of production in South Africa in value, 2018-2021, M $ US

Exports wood in the rough from South Africa

Exports in kind, K t

In 2021, South Africa's exports of wood in the rough reached 471.3 thousand tonnes, up 5.3% compared to the previous year. From 2018 to 2021, exports increased by 14.7%, with a compound annual growth rate of 4.7%. The largest decline was in 2020 at 0.6%, while the largest increase was in 2019 at 9.6%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from South Africa in kind, 2018-2021, K t

Between 2018 and 2021, China, India, and Botswana consistently led as the top destinations for South Africa's exports of wood in the rough by volume. China accounted for 34.5% of exports, India for 11.3%, and Botswana for 8.8%, together making up 54.6% of total export flows.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's exports from South Africa in kind, 2018-2021

Exports in value, K $ US

After two years of decrease, South Africa's exports of wood in the rough by value rose. In 2021, exports amounted to 84 100 thousand US dollars, a 24.8% increase from the previous year. From 2018 to 2021, exports grew by 9.6%, equivalent to an average annual rate of 3.1%. The lowest value was recorded in 2020 at 67 363 thousand US dollars, which also saw the largest decline of 6.9%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from South Africa in value, 2018-2021, K $ US

From 2018 to 2021, South Africa's exports of wood in the rough by value were widely distributed across markets. China accounted for 24.0% of exports, Botswana for 12.1%, and Namibia for 11.4%, with these three countries together representing 47.5% of total export value.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's exports from South Africa in value, 2018-2021

Imports wood in the rough to South Africa

Imports in kind, K t

Imports of wood in the rough into South Africa showed notable fluctuations during the period. The lowest point was in 2018, while the peak was in 2019, with a 1.7-fold difference between these years. In 2021, imports amounted to 16.6 thousand tonnes, a small year-on-year decrease of 0.9%. The highest volume was recorded in 2019 at 20.7 thousand tonnes. The largest decline occurred in 2020 at 19.1%, while the largest increase was in 2019 at 74.2%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to South Africa in kind, 2018-2021, K t

Throughout 2018 to 2021, Eswatini was the primary supplier of wood in the rough to South Africa, accounting for 78.9% of total imports by volume, with other partners holding relatively modest shares.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's imports to South Africa in kind, 2018-2021

Imports in value, K $ US

Following a two-year fall, South Africa's imports of wood in the rough by value increased. In 2021, imports were recorded at 6 788 thousand US dollars, up 0.6% from the previous year. From 2018 to 2021, imports decreased by 27.6%, equating to an average annual decline of 10.2%. The lowest value was in 2020 at 6 751 thousand US dollars, which also experienced the largest decline of 18.6%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to South Africa in value, 2018-2021, K $ US

From 2018 to 2021, Eswatini remained the main source of wood in the rough imports into South Africa by value, accounting for 72.6% of total imports, while the remaining volume was distributed among other countries.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's imports to South Africa in value, 2018-2021