Wood in the rough market in Western Africa

Earlier Report Observations

The market for wood in the rough in Western Africa expanded consistently between 2018 and 2023, with its volume growing from 146.6 million tonnes to 155.3 million tonnes. This increase was driven by steady growth in domestic production, which rose from 146.6 million tonnes to 155.4 million tonnes over the period. Exports remained minimal but declined slightly after 2020, contributing additional volume to the domestic market.

In 2023, the market size reached 155.3 million tonnes, supported by a combination of higher production and a reduction in exports. Shipments abroad fell to 0.1 million tonnes as West African producers faced muted international demand and heightened competition from suppliers in Indonesia and Malaysia, particularly for species like okoumé, andoung, iroko, and padouk in Asian and Middle Eastern markets. This external pressure helped retain more wood within the region, boosting local availability.

Entering 2024, the sector encountered new regulatory and cost pressures. Benin banned the export of unprocessed wood and wood products to preserve forest resources and promote local processing. Ghana passed a new law to modernize its shipping authority, while stricter sustainability checks and rising freight costs due to the Red Sea crisis increased operational challenges for West African producers.

Production wood in the rough in Western Africa

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

Wood in the rough production in Western Africa has increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, 149.5 million tonnes were produced, showing a slight increase of 1.5% compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production grew by 3.2%, with a compound annual growth rate of 1.0%.

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

Exports wood in the rough from Western Africa

Exports in kind, K t

The market exhibited volatility during the observed period. Exports reached their lowest point in 2018 at 49.3 thousand tonnes, with a significant decline of 46.8% that year. In 2019, exports surged dramatically by 478.0%, leading to a peak in 2020 at 362.3 thousand tonnes, which represents a steep increase of 27.2% compared to 2019. Overall, there was a 7.4-fold variation between the peak and trough.

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

From 2017 to 2020, China remained the dominant partner for exports of wood in the rough from Western Africa, accounting for 71.0% of total flows, while other markets formed a long tail.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

The data reveals irregular changes, indicating a volatile market environment. The minimum value was recorded in 2018 at 16.3 million US dollars, with a decline of 54.7% that year. In 2019, exports saw a substantial increase of 853.4%, reaching a peak in 2020 at 195.6 million US dollars, which is 25.8% higher than in 2019. The peak-to-trough amplitude from 2018 to 2020 was 12 times.

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

During 2017–2020, the structure of exports in value terms was characterized by the predominance of China, which absorbed 72.0% of total flows, alongside a large number of minor partners.

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

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

Imports wood in the rough to Western Africa

Imports in kind, K t

In 2020, wood in the rough imports to Western Africa totalled 36.3 thousand tonnes, up by 10.6% compared to 2019. The maximum value was recorded in 2018 at 44.4 thousand tonnes, with an increase of 37.1% that year. In 2019, imports declined by 26.0%. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports increased by 12.2%, with a compound annual growth rate of 3.9%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the United States, South Africa, and Chile were the main destinations for imports of wood in the rough to Western Africa. The United States accounted for 25.6% of imports in kind, South Africa for 17.1%, and Chile for 10.2%, together absorbing 52.9% of total imports.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

In 2020, wood in the rough deliveries to Western Africa totalled 18.8 million US dollars, which is 52.9% more year-over-year. The largest decline was recorded in 2019 at 12.5%. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports increased by 74.8%, with a compound annual growth rate of 20.5%.

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

Throughout 2017–2020, the United States, South Africa, and Chile remained the main markets for imports in value terms of wood in the rough to Western Africa. The United States accounted for 25.4% of imports in value terms, South Africa for 16.1%, and Chile for 10.7%, jointly taking 52.2% of total flows.

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

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