Coniferous wood fuel market in the Netherlands

Earlier Report Observations

Between 2018 and 2020, the market volume for coniferous wood fuel in the Netherlands declined from 506 thousand m³ to 476 thousand m³. This period saw continued government promotion of sustainably produced and certified wood, supporting demand for quality fuel. Concurrently, the construction sector's growing focus on using wood as a bio-based and circular material may have diverted some wood streams away from fuel applications.

The market recovered to 516 thousand m³ in 2021 and then stabilized around 509 thousand m³ through 2023. In 2022, the publication of a biomass classification guide provided clearer standards for wood fuel sustainability and origin. By 2023, authorities were exploring additional measures to limit emissions from domestic wood burning, including the potential designation of wood-burning-free zones around sensitive areas, which set a regulatory context for consumption.

In 2024 and 2025, several factors continued to shape the market framework. These included updated emission forecasts for wood stoves, policy explorations for further emission-reduction measures, and the planned introduction of stricter fire safety regulations for wood products from 2025 onwards. Furthermore, wood prices were influenced by stricter forest management certification, geopolitical tensions affecting trade, and rising transport costs, while demand for sustainable wood for construction and the circular economy remained a significant trend.

Production coniferous wood fuel in the Netherlands

In kind, 2018-2021, K m³

Top producers of coniferous wood fuel, 2018-2021

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

After two years of decline, the Netherlands saw an increase in its coniferous wood fuel production volume. In 2021, the country produced 450.8 K m³ of coniferous wood fuel, marking an 8.1% year-over-year growth. Between 2018 and 2021, production rose by 3.9%, which translates to an annualized rate of 1.3%. The lowest production level was recorded in 2020 at 417.0 K m³, while the largest decline occurred in 2019 with a drop of 2.5%.

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

Exports coniferous wood fuel from the Netherlands

Exports in kind, K m³

Exported volumes of coniferous wood fuel from the Netherlands declined for the second consecutive year. In 2021, the Netherlands exported 41.8 K m³, showing a significant decrease of 22.9% compared to the previous year. Between 2018 and 2021, exports fell by 43.9%, equating to an annualized decline of 17.5%. The highest export volume was recorded in 2019 at 82.4 K m³, with the largest drop occurring in 2020 at 34.3%, while the largest increase was seen in 2019 at 10.8%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, the United Kingdom, Belgium, and France were the largest buyers of coniferous wood fuel from the Netherlands, accounting for 31.0%, 28.6%, and 18.8% of exports in kind, respectively. Together, these three countries formed 78.3% of total exports in kind.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

The market displayed an unstable trend throughout the period. The highest value was recorded in 2021, while the lowest occurred in 2018, with a peak-to-trough ratio of 1.8 times. In 2021, coniferous wood fuel shipments from the Netherlands abroad amounted to 16 608 K $ US, representing an abrupt rise of 80.4% compared to 2020. The largest decline was recorded in 2020 at 10.7%.

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

Throughout 2018 to 2021, Belgium, the United Kingdom, and Germany formed the key group of partners for exports in value terms of coniferous wood fuel from the Netherlands, accounting for 29.6%, 22.1%, and 16.9% of exports in value, respectively. Jointly, they represented 68.7% of total flows.

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

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

Imports coniferous wood fuel to the Netherlands

Imports in kind, K m³

Coniferous wood fuel shipments to the Netherlands from abroad declined for the third consecutive year. In 2021, the import volume totaled 106.8 K m³, which is 5.2% lower than the previous year. Over the period from 2018 to 2021, imports decreased by 27.2%, with a compound annual growth rate of -10.0%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, Germany and Belgium concentrated the majority of imports in kind of coniferous wood fuel to the Netherlands, while other markets formed a less significant portion.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

The Netherlands' volume of coniferous wood fuel imports increased for the third consecutive year. In 2021, imports reached 34 179 K $ US, corresponding to a sharp uptick of 41.7% compared to 2020. Over the period from 2018 to 2021, imports grew by 96.1%, with a compound annual growth rate of 25.2%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, Germany, Latvia, and Belgium consistently remained the main destinations for imports in value terms, accounting for 55.1%, 13.3%, and 11.5% of imports in value, respectively. Together, they accounted for 79.8% of total flows.

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

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