Africa is an important producer of wood products, although production is dominated by industrial round wood and primary processing (mainly the production of sawn wood and wood-based panels). Countries in the region have been traditionally log exporters but in the last years, many have decided to implement laws banning log export to encourage domestic processing and value-adding.

There has also been an awareness in both exporting and importing countries to develop and promote sustainability in this industry. Timber trade in West Africa is influenced by local, regional, and overseas demands, with Europe and Asia being the most important import markets for African timber. There are many varieties of African wood that are exported like Azobe, Bilinga, Iroko, Teak, Ebony, Moabi, Ironwood, Mahogany, Rosewood, Sapele, and many more.

Important destinations for timber exports are Europe, the USA, China, and India with buyers. Main exporting countries in Africa are Cameroun, South Africa, Gabon, Congo, Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, Congo, Gambia, and Eq. Guinea. North Africa is an important import destination for this commodity. The majority is shipped in 40’High Cube containers and for some markets in 20’dry van containers.

What is timber and what is lumber?

Timber is used for trees or the wood of trees that have not yet been cut or processed, while lumber typically refers to wood that has been processed as a building material (boards and planks).

At ACS Africa Container Shipping we offer A to Z  logistic solutions for wood transportation for our clients in the origin countries and in any port in the world at the destination.