Wood export plays a significant role in the South African economy. So if you ever find yourself wondering “does South Africa export wood” the answer is a definite yes. In fact, wood exporting has become a well-established industry. This is because of the country’s long history of timber manufacturing and exporting. Many South African Development Community (SADC) countries depend on South Africa for a steady supply of high-quality CCA-treated timber. But why do countries like Mozambique or Malawi choose to use South Africa as one of their main suppliers of timber? Is it just down to proximity, or does it also have something to do with the quality of the raw wood and sawn wood produced in the country? or is timber importing from South Africa easier than you think?

Why many SADC countries choose to secure export timber from South Africa

Well, first of all, the SADC was established to help encourage economic growth in Southern African countries. The goal is to help create a better standard of living for each country that forms part of this development community. It, therefore, makes sense that SADC countries would choose to turn to one another to strengthen these ties and to satisfy their import/export needs.

The financial benefits of importing timber from South Africa

Deciding to secure your timber supply from a neighboring country also has other financial benefits. The export timber does not have to travel from the other side of the world to get from one African country to another. In terms of physical proximity, South Africa is located far closer to Mozambique than some of the other major wood exporters which cut down on travel costs.  Time is also an important financial benefit because exporting from SA to Mozambique or other neighbouring SADC countries can take 3 to 14 days as opposed to 3 months on sea. If you are looking for a smooth timber importing experience in Mozambique, Sabie Poles will certainly be the best choice.

Importing timber as sawn wood or raw wood

Sometimes you may need an abundance of raw wood while at other times your projects might require sawn wood. While these might have different uses, or work better for different purposes, as an importer you should always insist on receiving a superior product. A product that complies with all of the necessary wood export and import regulations. 

At Sabie Poles we have made this our mission. All of our timber products are approved by the South African Bureau of Standards (SABS) as well as the National Regulator for Compulsory Specifications (NRCS). We’re also members of the South African Wood Preservers Association (SAWPA). So Sabie Poles has got you covered. Whether you require the finest sawn wood for construction,  flooring, cladding or decking purposes, or whether you’re in need of treated poles for fencing and agricultural use you know you’ll be getting a tried-and-tested product.

Sustainable forestry and its role in the wood buying process

Sustainability is incredibly important within the South African forestry sector. It would not make any financial or environmental sense to sell all our timber supplies and wait a few years for new trees to grow. If we want our wood export industry to remain thriving and healthy we need to ensure that we have a sustainable supply. 

If you work with a well-known South African supplier of export timber you can rest assured that they’re keeping their eyes on the future and not just focussing on supplying your needs in the present.  Reputable timber suppliers like Sabie Poles understand that the demand for their products is high. That’s why they plant a new tree for everyone they cut down! Timber importing from Sabie Poles is a contribution to sustainable forestry.

Sustainable forestry creates sustainable supply

Sabie Poles have been in the wood export business for 26 years.  The fact that they can produce and manufacture their own timber allows them to supply wholesale truckloads of 24 tons and bigger at a time. Sustainability is always priority. This way of working ensures they’ve always been able to provide a steady supply of export timber to their valued customers.

As a SADC country South African timber manufacturers are also required to be mindful of our farming practices with a focus on the future. A key component of the SADC treaty that was signed in 1992 is also a focus on sustainability. From that perspective, it is therefore also vital that Southern African countries protect their natural and agricultural resources in order to secure their livelihoods. Timber importing is a valuable part of the approach to make sure we can consistently provide sustainable timber products.

Why should you consider importing timber for construction projects?

So what exactly is CCA pressure treated timber? This term refers to wood that’s been treated with a substance called Chromated Copper Arsenic. Basically, the CCA is embedded deeply into the timber by making use of excessively high pressure. The reason behind this is that it protects the wood and helps it last longer. You can say goodbye to problems like fungus and rot. It also makes your wood more hardwearing and less attractive to insects.

How long does CCA pressure treated timber last?

It’s not unusual for timber manufacturers to promise a forty-year lifespan when it comes to CCA treated timber. However, at Sabie Poles, we give our CCA treated wood a lifetime guarantee!   

That’s why this product is so good for construction. CCA poles are a great choice because they make excellent support beams or fencing. They also work well for the construction of log homes. We treat with a range of CCA classes. There are also CCA classes that are more suitable for use in wet soil or in sea water. Take a look at this handy chart to figure out which class is best suited to your unique needs.

The Sabie Poles wood buying process

We pride ourselves on being able to supply large quantities of raw or sawn wood in record time. We don’t believe that the wood buying process should be complicated. You just need to take a few simple steps to get started. 

Sabie Poles Wood Buying Process Step-by-Step

We’re confident that you’ll find something that is perfectly suited to your needs. But, if you have any questions about any of our products or anything related to our wood export process, you’re also welcome to contact us via email. 

For buyers with clear needs, we encourage using our online contact form as the quickest way to start the process.Your timber importing problem wi be a thing of the past.

How long will the timber importing process take?

We’re all about efficiency at Sabie Poles. To help us better serve our valued clients we handle everything ourselves. That means that there is no waiting around because third-party contractors are involved. Ordering, harvesting and manufacturing are all taken care of internally. Because of the nature of the business our customers often order extremely large quantities. We’ve come to expect that, and we cater for extremely large orders. Clients can place their large volume orders with us confidently!

Depending on timber size and quantity, orders are dispatched from our Mpumalanga farm within 14 workdays from placement. Depending on which SADC country you are based in your order should reach you in just 2 weeks.

So, if you’re in need of export wood and you’re a resident of another SADC country like Mozambique or Zimbabwe, and you’re looking to import excellent timber that will stand the test of time, why not start a relationship with Sabie Poles? We’re a trustworthy South African source for timber importing to Mozambique. We’re a supplier that is committed to providing a superior quality product as well as the best customer service.