Coniferous wood fuel market in Italy

Earlier Report Observations

Between 2018 and 2020, Italy's coniferous wood fuel market volume declined from 1.98 million m³ to 1.71 million m³, while production held steady at 1.18 million m³ each year. During this period, solid biofuel demand remained stable, though a gradual shift from firewood to wood pellets was noted. The market also saw the development of more commercial sales formats like pallets and boxes, as well as new segments such as wood for pizzerias and bakeries.

Market volume rebounded to 1.80 million m³ in 2021, driven by increased demand for firewood as a low-cost heating alternative compared to fossil fuels. In 2022, prices nearly doubled from the previous year due to strong domestic demand and reduced imports, as producer countries retained more wood for their own use or speculation; market volume edged down slightly to 1.78 million m³. Concurrently, demand for wood chips—a cheaper alternative—grew by 50%, signaling an expansion of the woody biomass sector.

By 2023, market volume fell further to 1.57 million m³. Prices for firewood, pellets, and chips declined from their 2022 peaks, moving back toward pre-crisis levels, with seasoning and moisture content remaining key quality and price factors. Into 2024, prices continued to drop, and the Biomassplus® certification gained adoption to guarantee product quality and traceability.

Production coniferous wood fuel in Italy

In kind, 2017-2020, K m³

From 2017 to 2020, Italy ranked 30th globally in the production of coniferous wood fuel.

Top producers of coniferous wood fuel, 2017-2020

World map of production of coniferous wood fuel, 2017-2020

In 2020, Italy produced 1 180 K m³ of coniferous wood fuel, maintaining stable levels compared to the previous year. The largest decline occurred in 2018, at 0.0%, while the largest increase was also recorded in 2018, at 0.0%.

Annual dynamics of production in Italy in kind, 2017-2020, K m³

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Following a two-year period of growth, coniferous wood fuel production in Italy experienced a decline. In 2020, the output was valued at 186.2 M $ US, down by 18.9% from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, production increased by 8.9%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 2.9%. The peak value was reached in 2019 at 229.7 M $ US, and the largest increase occurred in 2018, at 27.8%.

Annual dynamics of production in Italy in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Exports coniferous wood fuel from Italy

Exports in kind, K m³

Italy's coniferous wood fuel export volume rose for the second consecutive year. In 2020, Italy exported 2.6 K m³, marking a 5.3% increase compared to 2019. However, over the 2017-2020 period, exports decreased by 34.3%, with a CAGR of 13.1%. The lowest volume was recorded in 2018 at 1.9 K m³, with the largest decline that year at 51.7%, while the largest increase was in 2019 at 29.1%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Italy in kind, 2017-2020, K m³

From 2017 to 2020, Austria, Switzerland, and Slovenia were the core destinations for Italy's coniferous wood fuel exports in kind. Austria accounted for 45.7% of exports, Switzerland for 24.2%, and Slovenia for 7.1%, together representing 77.0% of total export flows.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from Italy in kind, 2017-2020

Exports in value, K $ US

In 2020, coniferous wood fuel exports from Italy totaled 404 K $ US, a 14.6% decrease compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports fell by 28.4%, with a CAGR of 10.5%. The lowest value was in 2018 at 349 K $ US, with the largest decline that year at 38.2%, while the largest increase occurred in 2019 at 35.8%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Italy in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

Between 2017 and 2020, Austria, Switzerland, and Slovenia were the principal destinations for Italy's coniferous wood fuel exports in value terms. Austria made up 25.8% of exports, Switzerland 21.8%, and Slovenia 11.5%, collectively accounting for 59.2% of total export flows.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from Italy in value, 2017-2020

Imports coniferous wood fuel to Italy

Imports in kind, K m³

Italy's coniferous wood fuel import volume declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, Italy imported approximately 531.7 K m³, showing a moderate drop of 4.0% compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports decreased by 28%, with a CAGR of 10.4%. The highest volume was recorded in 2018 at 805.7 K m³, with the largest decline in 2019 at 31.3%, and the largest increase in 2018 at 9.1%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Italy in kind, 2017-2020, K m³

From 2017 to 2020, Austria, Slovenia, and Spain formed the main cluster of markets for Italy's coniferous wood fuel imports in kind. Austria represented 54.4% of imports, Slovenia 16.7%, and Spain 11.7%, together comprising 82.8% of total import flows.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to Italy in kind, 2017-2020

Imports in value, K $ US

Italy's coniferous wood fuel import volumes declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, imports totaled 18 646 K $ US, representing a significant decline of 19.7% compared to the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, imports decreased by 48.2%, equating to an annualized rate of 19.7%. The peak value was in 2018 at 38 370 K $ US, with the largest decline in 2019 at 39.5%, and the largest increase in 2018 at 6.5%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Italy in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

Over the 2017-2020 period, Austria, Slovenia, and Spain remained the leading destinations in Italy's import structure in value terms. Austria accounted for 39.7% of imports, Slovenia for 18.1%, and Spain for 14.5%, with a combined share of 72.4% of total import flows.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to Italy in value, 2017-2020