Morocco’s wood industry paradox: $500 million potential hampered by import dependence

Despite possessing nine million hectares of forest resources, Morocco finds itself trapped in an economic paradox. The nation imports nearly 70% of its timber needs while its forests face unsustainable exploitation, creating urgent challenges at the intersection of environmental protection and industrial development.

National production of construction and industrial timber reaches 680,000 cubic meters annually, covering only 31% of domestic demand estimated at 2.2 million cubic meters, according to Morocco’s Economic, Social and Environmental Council. This gap forces the country to import timber at an annual cost of $220 million for pine wood alone, significantly impacting the trade balance while domestic production capacity operates at just 30% of potential.

The firewood crisis presents an even more alarming picture. Annual consumption of six million tons doubles the sustainable forest production capacity of three million tons, representing 200% overexploitation. This degradation accelerates desertification, threatening 93% of national territory and costs approximately 250 million dirhams yearly in environmental damage.

Nevertheless, the timber sector contributes 1.5% of GDP and generates the equivalent of 50,000 permanent jobs. The transformation industry comprises roughly 500 companies producing over three billion dirhams worth of goods annually.

Morocco has launched its “Forests of Morocco 2020-2030” strategy to address these challenges, mobilizing 1.25 billion dirhams in investments aimed at doubling timber production to 1.42 million cubic meters annually. The plan includes allocating 120,000 hectares of forest land to private investors for reforestation projects, prioritizing fast-growing species like eucalyptus and pine.

Beyond industrial timber, non-timber forest products demonstrate significant economic value. Morocco’s forests directly support nearly seven million people and generate eight to ten million workdays annually. Excellence sectors include argan oil exports of 1,400 tons yearly, cork production of 94,000 cubic meters, and honey output of 1,000 tons.

The strategy’s success will determine whether Morocco can transform from import dependence to sustainable development, potentially capturing an estimated $500 million in untapped annual value.