Coniferous wood fuel market in Denmark, 2026

Earlier Report Observations

The Danish coniferous wood fuel market began the period influenced by a marked deterioration in agricultural economy during 2018, which affected timber-related sectors. Market volume saw modest growth to 1 840 thous. m³ in 2019, then declined to 1 694 thous. m³ in 2020.

A shift occurred in 2021 when timber harvesting for energy surged by 18%, increasing the supply of wood fuel and lifting the market volume to 2 091 thous. m³. This expansion continued into 2022, driven by a further 12% rise in harvests, particularly in state forests, and a heavy reliance on imported wood pellets—accounting for 95% of consumption—pushing the market to a peak of 2 734 thous. m³.

By 2023, the market volume contracted to 2 090 thous. m³. Subsequently, state-led clearance of unwanted coniferous timber in broadleaf forest areas directed a record share of raw material straight to energy production in 2024, altering the feedstock composition for wood fuel.

Production coniferous wood fuel in Denmark

In kind, 2018-2021, K m³

Denmark ranked 28th globally in coniferous wood fuel production between 2018 and 2021.

Top producers of coniferous wood fuel, 2018-2021

World map of production of coniferous wood fuel, 2018-2021

In 2021, Denmark produced 1 358 K m³ of coniferous wood fuel, showing no significant change from the previous year. The largest decline occurred in 2019 at 0.0%, while the largest increase was also recorded in 2019 at 0.0%.

Annual dynamics of production in Denmark in kind, 2018-2021, K m³

In value, 2018-2021, K $ US

Denmark's coniferous wood fuel production declined for the second consecutive year. In 2021, output was valued at 46 446 K $ US, marking a substantial decline of 17.8% compared to 2020. Over the 2018-2021 period, production decreased by 16%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of -5.7%. The maximum value was recorded in 2019 at 59 367 K $ US, with the largest increase that year at 7.3%.

Annual dynamics of production in Denmark in value, 2018-2021, K $ US

Exports coniferous wood fuel from Denmark

Exports in kind, K m³

After a two-year reduction, coniferous wood fuel exports from Denmark increased in 2021. The country exported 103.4 K m³, up by 11.9% from the previous year. Over the 2018-2021 period, exports decreased by 21.2%, with a CAGR of -7.6%. The minimum value was recorded in 2020 at 92.4 K m³, while the largest decline occurred in 2019 at 29.4%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Denmark in kind, 2018-2021, K m³

From 2018 to 2021, Norway played a leading role in Denmark's coniferous wood fuel exports in kind, accounting for 86.1% of total flows, with the remainder distributed among other partners.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's exports from Denmark in kind, 2018-2021

Exports in value, K $ US

Coniferous wood fuel exports from Denmark declined for the third consecutive year. In 2021, exports amounted to 3 539 K $ US, representing a modest decline of 8.0% compared to the previous year. Over the 2018-2021 period, exports decreased by 33.8%, with a CAGR of -12.9%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Denmark in value, 2018-2021, K $ US

Between 2018 and 2021, exports in value terms of coniferous wood fuel from Denmark were largely concentrated on Norway, which accounted for 79.9% of total flows, while other countries together formed the residual share.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's exports from Denmark in value, 2018-2021

Imports coniferous wood fuel to Denmark

Imports in kind, K m³

The market showed signs of volatility over the observed period. Import levels fluctuated, with a 2-fold difference between the high of 2021 and the low of 2020. In 2021, Denmark imported 836.9 K m³ of coniferous wood fuel, corresponding to an abrupt gain of 95.3% compared to 2020. The minimum value was recorded in 2020 at 428.6 K m³, with the largest decline that year at 25.6%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Denmark in kind, 2018-2021, K m³

From 2018 to 2021, Germany (30.2% of imports in kind), Latvia (23.3%), and Estonia (12.9%) were the principal suppliers of coniferous wood fuel to Denmark, jointly accounting for 66.4% of total imports in kind.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's imports to Denmark in kind, 2018-2021

Imports in value, K $ US

There were noticeable fluctuations in market performance during the period. Import levels varied, with a 2.5-fold difference between the high of 2021 and the low of 2020. In 2021, Denmark imported a total of 52 809 K $ US of coniferous wood fuel, indicating a sharp uptick of 146.5% from the previous year. The minimum value was recorded in 2020 at 21 420 K $ US, with the largest decline that year at 18.7%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Denmark in value, 2018-2021, K $ US

Between 2018 and 2021, Germany (27.5% of imports in value terms), Latvia (18.2%), and Lithuania (15.5%) accounted for the largest share of imports in value terms, together comprising 61.2% of total flows.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's imports to Denmark in value, 2018-2021