Gabon is one of the most forested countries on Earth and a name every plywood buyer knows, because it is the home of okoume. Over the last fifteen years, it has also become a model for something else: turning a log-exporting economy into a timber-processing one. If you want to buy Gabon timber, you need to understand how that change shapes what you can order, how it is processed and how it reaches you.
In this guide we explain Gabon’s main species, its log export ban, its processing industry, ports and certification, and how to buy sawn timber, veneer and plywood from Gabon. We supply timber from Gabon and the wider Congo Basin at Global Timber Trade Hub.
In short
- Forest covers most of Gabon’s territory, and timber is a major export.
- Okoume is Gabon’s signature species, used worldwide for marine plywood.
- Gabon has banned raw log exports since 2010.
- Timber leaves Gabon as sawn wood, veneer and plywood, mainly through Owendo near Libreville.
- Gabon has pushed for more local processing and forest certification.
- Order sawn timber, veneer or plywood with full legality documents.
Gabon’s forests at a glance
Gabon’s rainforest covers the large majority of the country, from the coast to the inland plateaux. It is home to hundreds of tree species, of which a few dozen are commercially important. Forestry is one of the country’s major economic sectors after oil and minerals, and a large employer in rural areas. Forest concessions are managed under long-term plans that define harvest areas and minimum felling diameters.
Okoume: Gabon’s signature species
Okoume (Aucoumea klaineana) grows mainly in Gabon and neighbouring areas. Its large, round, straight logs peel into excellent veneer, which is why okoume dominates the world’s marine plywood market. It is also sawn into light lumber for boats, mouldings and joinery. See our guides to Okoume marine plywood and okoume wood price.
Other important species from Gabon
| Species | Main uses | From (USD/m³, FOB) |
|---|---|---|
| Azobe | Marine works, sleepers | $650 |
| Okan | Bridges, heavy decking | $650 |
| Bilinga | Decking, cladding, jetties | $700 |
| Moabi | Floors, furniture | $1,100 |
| Padouk | Decking, floors, turning | $1,300 |
| Zebrawood | Veneer, accent furniture | $2,200 |
Gabon also produces sapele, iroko, dabema, tali, movingui and many others. See our full catalogue.
The 2010 log export ban
In 2010, Gabon banned the export of raw logs. The aim was to keep more value in the country by sawing, drying, peeling and manufacturing locally. The change was difficult at first, as many log buyers had to adapt, but it led to strong growth in sawmills, veneer plants and plywood factories. Today, timber from Gabon is exported as sawn timber, veneer, plywood and other processed products. The wider Central African region plans to follow Gabon’s example with a log export ban from January 2028. See buy timber logs from Africa.
Processing zones and industry
To support local processing, Gabon developed a special economic zone for wood processing near Libreville, where sawmills, veneer and plywood plants and furniture makers operate side by side. Processing also takes place in mills across the country. For buyers, this means a wider range of finished and semi-finished products, from kiln-dried boards to veneer, plywood and mouldings.
Ports and shipping
Most timber exports from Gabon leave through the port of Owendo, near Libreville, with container services to Europe, Asia and other markets. Port-Gentil also handles some cargo. Transit times to Europe are typically around three to five weeks, often with transshipment. Plywood ships in crates, sawn timber in bundles.
Certification and sustainability
Gabon has some of the largest areas of certified tropical forest in Africa and has pushed concession holders towards certified forest management. Certified timber, such as FSC, can be available for some species and volumes. If you need certified timber, ask early, as supply is limited and may carry a premium. See FSC certified tropical timber.
Documents for Gabon timber
- commercial invoice and packing list;
- bill of lading;
- certificate of origin;
- phytosanitary certificate;
- legality and chain-of-custody documents;
- CITES export permits for listed species such as padouk;
- certification claims and certificates where applicable.
For EU buyers, the exporter should support EUDR due diligence. See EUDR timber compliance.
What you can buy from Gabon
Sawn timber
Air-dried and kiln-dried boards, beams and decking in okoume, azobe, okan, bilinga, padouk and other species.
Veneer
Rotary and sliced veneer, especially okoume, for plywood and decorative panels. See African hardwood veneer.
Plywood
Okoume plywood in marine, exterior and interior grades.
Value-added products
Mouldings, flooring, decking profiles and furniture components from local factories.
Okoume plywood vs okoume lumber from Gabon
Most buyers of Gabon timber want one of two things: plywood or lumber. Plywood buyers care about the standard, glue, face grades and sheet flatness. Lumber buyers care about grade, dimensions and moisture content. The two products often come from different mills, so a supplier who can handle both, and combine them in one shipment, saves you time. Boat builders in particular benefit from ordering plywood for hulls and decks together with okoume and harder species for stringers, frames and trim.
Seasonality and planning
Gabon has two rainy seasons, which can slow harvesting and transport from remote concessions. Mills keep some buffer stock, but large or special orders are easier to plan in advance. For regular buyers, we agree a shipment rhythm that takes the seasons into account, so stock arrives when you need it rather than when the weather allows.
Lead times
Standard sawn timber can often be prepared in a few weeks. Kiln-dried timber, veneer and plywood orders typically take 4–8 weeks before loading, depending on mill schedules. Add time for CITES permits on listed species.
Prices
Okoume lumber starts from about $520 per m³, FOB. Heavy construction species from Gabon start from about $650 per m³. Plywood is priced per sheet. Freight from Owendo depends on route and container load. See African hardwood prices and timber shipping cost.
How to choose a supplier for Gabon timber
- Ask which mill or factory produces your timber or plywood.
- Check the plywood standard and markings for marine grades.
- Request photos and moisture readings before loading.
- Confirm legality documents and certification claims.
- Use secure payment terms and start with a trial order.
See our checklist in how to choose an African timber exporter.
How Gabon’s model affects buyers
Gabon’s approach has changed what buyers receive. Instead of buying logs and processing them at home, buyers now order specifications from Gabonese mills: board sizes, grades, moisture content, plywood standards and veneer thicknesses. That means clear, written specifications matter more than ever. It also means that quality depends on the mill, so choosing the right supplier is critical. The advantage is that you pay only for usable wood, freight is lower per usable cubic metre and documents come from registered processing companies.
Typical orders from Gabon
Common orders we quote from Gabon include: BS 1088 okoume plywood in mixed thicknesses for boat yards; okoume lumber for mouldings and boat parts; azobe and okan beams for marine and bridge contractors; bilinga and padouk decking for landscape projects; and okoume veneer for plywood producers. Mixed containers combining plywood and lumber are common for boat builders and merchants.
Payment and contracts
As with other origins, the usual terms are a deposit with the balance against copy documents, or a letter of credit. For plywood, agree the standard, glue type, face grades, sheet sizes and tolerances in the contract. For lumber, agree grades, sizes and moisture content. Include how inspection will be done and what happens if goods do not match. See letter of credit for timber.
Quality control before loading
For Gabon orders, we check plywood markings, thickness and face grades on sample sheets, and dimensions, grade and moisture on lumber bundles. We photograph crates and bundles and send the packing list before loading. For large or critical orders, independent inspection can be arranged. See timber inspection before shipment.
Communication and language
French is the main business language in Gabon. Documents such as certificates of origin, phytosanitary certificates and permits are usually issued in French. A good exporter explains these documents, provides translations where helpful and makes sure your customs broker has everything needed for clearance. Clear communication avoids delays and keeps your shipments moving smoothly from Owendo to your warehouse.
Who buys Gabon timber from us?
Our Gabon timber customers include boat yards, kayak builders, plywood distributors, moulding producers, marine contractors and landscape companies. Many combine okoume products with heavy species such as azobe or decorative species such as padouk in one container, so a single shipment covers several parts of their business.
Our honest advice
Gabon is the place to go for okoume in every form and a reliable source of heavy construction and decorative species. Forget logs, write precise specifications, check plywood standards carefully and build a relationship with a supplier who knows the local mills. That combination gives you consistent quality and smooth documentation shipment after shipment.
Common mistakes
- Asking for logs from Gabon: log exports are banned.
- Buying “marine” plywood without a standard: ask for BS 1088 or equivalent.
- Assuming all timber is certified: check certificates for each order.
- Ignoring transshipment time: plan for it in your schedule.
Sources
Related guides
- Okoume marine plywood
- Cameroon timber exporters
- Congo timber suppliers
- Buy timber logs from Africa
- Plywood and lightweight timber
Frequently asked questions about Gabon timber
Can I import logs from Gabon?
No. Gabon has banned raw log exports since 2010.
What is Gabon’s main timber species?
Okoume, used worldwide for marine plywood and light joinery.
Which port ships timber from Gabon?
Mainly Owendo, near Libreville.
Is FSC-certified timber available from Gabon?
For some species and volumes, yes. Ask early, as supply is limited.
Get a quote for Gabon timber
Send your species, product and volume through our quote form. We will reply with a written quote and lead time.