Non coniferous wood fuel market in El Salvador

Earlier Report Observations

The market volume for non-coniferous wood fuel in El Salvador experienced a gradual, mild decline from 4 121 thousand m³ in 2018 to 4 034 thousand m³ in 2023, reflecting a total decrease of approximately 2% over the six-year period. Annual changes remained below 0.5%, indicating a stabilized market with a slight downward trend. As imports and exports were negligible, domestic production fully met consumption.

During these years, international factors caused repeated fluctuations in the prices of competing fuels like liquid fuels and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG). For instance, lower international oil costs led to decreased liquid fuel prices in 2018 and 2020, potentially reducing the relative appeal of wood fuel. Conversely, in 2021, rising LPG prices due to falling strategic petroleum reserves and climate-related disruptions prompted the government to implement a transitory law to stabilize LPG prices, which may have influenced household fuel choices.

The 2024 national census revealed that wood remains the second most common cooking fuel in El Salvador, used by 10% of households, with particularly high adoption in the departments of Morazán, Cabañas, and Ahuachapán. This persistent demand is tied to cultural preferences and economic or infrastructure limitations in accessing LPG, providing underlying support for the wood fuel market despite the overall gentle decline.

Production non coniferous wood fuel in El Salvador

In kind, 2018-2021, K m³

Top producers of non coniferous wood fuel, 2018-2021

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

Non-coniferous wood fuel production in El Salvador declined for the third consecutive year. In 2021, production reached 4,067 thousand cubic meters, showing only a marginal fluctuation compared to 2020.

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

Exports non coniferous wood fuel from El Salvador

According to desk research data, there were no exports of non-coniferous wood fuel from El Salvador between 2018 and 2021.

Imports non coniferous wood fuel to El Salvador

Imports in kind, m³

The market displayed volatility during the observed period. Imports reached their lowest point in 2020 and peaked in 2021, with a 32-fold difference between these years. In 2021, deliveries to El Salvador totaled 1.63 cubic meters, marking a sharp increase of 3,113.2% compared to the previous year.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to El Salvador in kind, 2018-2021, m³

From 2018 to 2021, imports of non-coniferous wood fuel to El Salvador were primarily directed toward the United States and China, which together accounted for 96.3% of total flows, while other destinations played a secondary role.

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

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

Imports in value, $ US

The market showed an unstable trend throughout the timeframe. Imports hit their lowest point in 2020 and peaked in 2021, with a 6.6-fold amplitude between these years. In 2021, foreign supplies to El Salvador amounted to 4,267 US dollars, representing a 555.6% increase relative to the prior year.

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

From 2018 to 2021, the United States and China were the dominant destinations for imports in value terms, jointly capturing 98.8% of total flows, with the remaining share going to other markets.

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

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