SADC: Wood Fuel Market 2025

Wood Fuel Market Size in SADC

The SADC wood fuel market dropped slightly to $X in 2022, which is down by -2.2% against the previous year. The total consumption indicated a tangible increase from 2012 to 2022: its value increased at an average annual rate of +4.4% over the last decade. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Based on 2022 figures, consumption increased by +2.3% against 2020 indices. The level of consumption peaked at $X in 2017; however, from 2018 to 2022, consumption remained at a lower figure.

Wood Fuel Production in SADC

In value terms, wood fuel production fell slightly to $X in 2022 estimated in export price. In general, production, however, recorded a prominent increase. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2015 when the production volume increased by 57% against the previous year. As a result, production reached the peak level of $X. From 2016 to 2022, production growth remained at a lower figure.

Wood Fuel Exports

Exports in SADC

In 2022, the amount of wood fuel exported in SADC rose sharply to X cubic meters, with an increase of 11% on the previous year's figure. Over the period under review, exports continue to indicate prominent growth. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2021 when exports increased by 61%. Over the period under review, the exports hit record highs in 2022 and are likely to continue growth in years to come.

In value terms, wood fuel exports expanded sharply to $X in 2022. In general, exports enjoyed a resilient increase. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2021 with an increase of 88% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the exports hit record highs in 2022 and are expected to retain growth in the immediate term.

Exports by Country

Swaziland represented the key exporter of wood fuel in SADC, with the volume of exports resulting at X cubic meters, which was approx. 59% of total exports in 2022. It was distantly followed by South Africa (X cubic meters), generating a 33% share of total exports. Namibia (X cubic meters) and Tanzania (X cubic meters) took a minor share of total exports.

From 2012 to 2022, the biggest increases were recorded for Tanzania (with a CAGR of +39.6%), while shipments for the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

In value terms, Swaziland ($X), South Africa ($X) and Tanzania ($X) appeared to be the countries with the highest levels of exports in 2022, with a combined 94% share of total exports.

Among the main exporting countries, Tanzania, with a CAGR of +41.5%, saw the highest growth rate of the value of exports, over the period under review, while shipments for the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

Export Prices by Country

In 2022, the export price in SADC amounted to $X per cubic meter, shrinking by -2.9% against the previous year. Export price indicated mild growth from 2012 to 2022: its price increased at an average annual rate of +1.5% over the last decade. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Based on 2022 figures, wood fuel export price increased by +64.9% against 2015 indices. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2021 when the export price increased by 17% against the previous year. As a result, the export price attained the peak level of $X per cubic meter, and then contracted slightly in the following year.

There were significant differences in the average prices amongst the major exporting countries. In 2022, amid the top suppliers, the country with the highest price was Tanzania ($X per cubic meter), while Swaziland ($X per cubic meter) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by South Africa (+1.8%), while the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

Wood Fuel Imports

Imports in SADC

In 2022, the amount of wood fuel imported in SADC rose rapidly to X cubic meters, increasing by 9.1% compared with the previous year. Overall, imports enjoyed a strong expansion. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2021 when imports increased by 60% against the previous year. The volume of import peaked in 2022 and is expected to retain growth in the immediate term.

In value terms, wood fuel imports rose markedly to $X in 2022. Over the period under review, imports continue to indicate buoyant growth. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2021 with an increase of 73% against the previous year. The level of import peaked in 2022 and is likely to see gradual growth in years to come.

Imports by Country

South Africa represented the largest importing country with an import of around X cubic meters, which recorded 66% of total imports. It was distantly followed by Swaziland (X cubic meters), generating a 34% share of total imports.

From 2012 to 2022, the biggest increases were recorded for Swaziland (with a CAGR of +18.7%).

In value terms, South Africa ($X) constitutes the largest market for imported wood fuel in SADC, comprising 71% of total imports. The second position in the ranking was held by Swaziland ($X), with a 29% share of total imports.

From 2012 to 2022, the average annual rate of growth in terms of value in South Africa stood at +15.1%.

Import Prices by Country

In 2022, the import price in SADC amounted to $X per cubic meter, growing by 2.9% against the previous year. Over the period from 2012 to 2022, it increased at an average annual rate of +1.1%. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2017 an increase of 14%. Over the period under review, import prices hit record highs in 2022 and is likely to continue growth in the immediate term.

Average prices varied somewhat amongst the major importing countries. In 2022, amid the top importers, the country with the highest price was South Africa ($X per cubic meter), while Swaziland stood at $X per cubic meter.

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by South Africa (+1.5%).

Source: IndexBox Platform