Non-coniferous fuel wood in chips and particles market in Hungary

Earlier Report Observations

The market for non-coniferous fuel wood chips in Hungary expanded from 758.7 thousand tons in 2018 to 833.7 thousand tons in 2019, a period when state-owned forestry companies played a significant role in supply. However, the market volume then contracted sharply by 32% to 566.6 thousand tons in 2020 and saw a further slight decline to 542.7 thousand tons in 2021.

From 2021 to 2023, the market shrank by 33% to 361.3 thousand tons. This drop was driven by decreased demand for fuel wood due to milder winter weather, market corrections, and extreme weather events like drought and storm damage that affected forest resources. The global energy crisis and the Russian-Ukrainian war had initially boosted demand and prices in 2022, but by 2023 demand eased. In 2024, the market fell another 35% to 233.4 thousand tons, with reports noting price stabilization but continued sensitivity to international energy market fluctuations.

By 2025, regulatory changes came into effect, including new fire safety rules and enhanced market compliance requirements for wood-based fuels. Consumer trends shifted toward local, seasonal, and ecological products, while state forestry companies maintained stable prices and supply, and the social fuelwood program continued to support municipalities.

Production non-coniferous fuel wood in chips and particles in Hungary

In value, 2018-2021, K $ US

In Hungary, the output value of non-coniferous fuel wood in chips and particles reached 23 517 K $ US in 2021, marking a 7.2% increase compared to the previous year. However, looking at the broader period from 2018 to 2021, production value declined by 34.6%, with an average annual decrease of 13.2%. The highest value was recorded in 2019 at 37 852 K $ US, while the lowest was in 2020 at 21 943 K $ US. The most significant drop occurred in 2020, with a 42.0% decrease.

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

In kind, 2018-2021, K t

Hungary's production of non-coniferous fuel wood in chips and particles fell for the second year in a row. In 2021, output amounted to 543.4 K t, down 2.1% from the previous year. Over the 2018-2021 period, production decreased by 27.5%, translating to an average annual decline of 10.2%. The peak was in 2019 at 830.7 K t, with the largest drop of 33.2% occurring in 2020. In contrast, 2019 saw the biggest increase at 10.8%.

Annual dynamics of production in Hungary in kind, 2018-2021, K t

Exports non-coniferous fuel wood in chips and particles from Hungary

Exports in kind, t

Hungary's exports of non-coniferous fuel wood in chips and particles declined for the third consecutive year. In 2021, export volume stood at 19 359 t, representing a sharp year-on-year decrease of 51.2%. From 2018 to 2021, exports fell by 74%, with an average annual decline of 36.2%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Hungary in kind, 2018-2021, t

Between 2018 and 2021, Austria remained the overwhelmingly dominant buyer of non-coniferous fuel wood in chips and particles from Hungary, accounting for 94.3% of total exports in volume terms.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

Hungary's export value of non-coniferous fuel wood in chips and particles dropped for the third year in a row. In 2021, exports totaled 1 116 K $ US, reflecting a dramatic year-on-year loss of 55.3%. Over the 2018-2021 period, export value decreased by 76.2%, with an average annual decline of 38.0%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, Austria dominated Hungary's export partner structure in value terms, holding an 86.5% share of total flows, while other markets accounted for relatively modest portions.

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

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

Imports non-coniferous fuel wood in chips and particles to Hungary

Imports in kind, t

Hungary's imports of non-coniferous fuel wood in chips and particles fell for the third consecutive year. In 2021, import volume was approximately 18 622 t, down 63.6% compared to the previous year. Between 2018 and 2021, imports decreased by 77.6%, equating to an average annual decline of 39.3%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Hungary in kind, 2018-2021, t

During 2018-2021, the import structure in volume terms was characterized by a strong dominance of Croatia, which accounted for 80.9% of total flows, with other partners holding relatively minor shares.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

Hungary's import value of non-coniferous fuel wood in chips and particles declined for the third year in a row. In 2021, imports amounted to approximately 1 250 K $ US, marking a 58.7% decrease versus the previous year. From 2018 to 2021, import value fell by 78.2%, with an average annual decline of 39.8%.

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

Over the 2018-2021 period, Croatia was the primary source for Hungary's imports in value terms, accounting for 75.7% of total flows, while other markets formed a long tail of smaller partners.

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

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