Non coniferous wood fuel market in Southern Europe

Earlier Report Observations

The non-coniferous wood fuel market in Southern Europe experienced a period of adjustment and growth from 2018 to 2023. After a stable volume around 26.9 million m³ in 2018 and 2019, consumption contracted to 26.0 million m³ in 2020. This was followed by a recovery to 27.0 million m³ in 2021, with the market then expanding significantly to 28.1 million m³ in 2022 and 28.9 million m³ in 2023.

The strong growth from 2021 onward was primarily driven by the European energy crisis and high fossil fuel prices, which increased demand for renewable biomass alternatives. A key regulatory change, the EU's ban on imports of Russian woody biomass in July 2022, forced a rapid restructuring of supply chains and accelerated investment in domestic and alternative sources, further boosting market volume. This was supported by evolving consumer preferences towards biomass heating solutions like boilers and wood chips, driven by technological advances and the push for energy sustainability.

Production non coniferous wood fuel in Southern Europe

In kind, 2017-2020, K m³

Top producers of non coniferous wood fuel, 2017-2020

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

Southern Europe's production of non-coniferous wood fuel increased in 2020, following two consecutive years of decline. That year, the region produced 25 663 K m³, representing a modest 2.1% increase compared to 2019. Looking at the broader 2017-2020 period, production actually decreased by 2.4%, with a compound annual growth rate of 0.8%. The lowest production level was recorded in 2019 at 25 137 K m³, while the most significant decline occurred in 2018 with a 2.6% drop.

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

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

In 2020, the value of non-coniferous wood fuel production in Southern Europe reached 4 084 M $ US, marking a substantial 28.9% increase compared to the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, production value grew by 29%, translating to an 8.8% compound annual growth rate. The most notable decline occurred in 2019, when production value fell by 16.7%.

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

Exports non coniferous wood fuel from Southern Europe

Exports in kind, K m³

Southern Europe's exports of non-coniferous wood fuel declined significantly in 2020, reaching 928 K m³ - a sharp 30.0% decrease compared to 2019. Throughout the 2017-2020 period, exports fell by 39.9%, with a compound annual decline rate of 15.6%. The only increase during this period occurred in 2019, when exports grew by 2.0%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, three key markets - Austria, Hungary, and France - collectively accounted for 21.4% of Southern Europe's total non-coniferous wood fuel exports measured in volume.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

Southern Europe's non-coniferous wood fuel exports declined for the second consecutive year in 2020, reaching 147.7 M $ US - an 11.6% decrease compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, export value fell by 20.6%, equivalent to an annualized decline rate of 7.4%. The highest export value was recorded in 2018 at 193.1 M $ US. The most significant decline occurred in 2019 with a 13.5% drop, while the largest increase happened in 2018 with 3.8% growth.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Southern Europe in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

From 2017 to 2020, Southern Europe's non-coniferous wood fuel exports in value terms showed considerable geographical diversification. Austria (11.1%), France (4.7%), and Germany (4.5%) together accounted for just 20.2% of total export value, while the remaining 79.8% was distributed across numerous smaller trading partners.

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

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

Imports non coniferous wood fuel to Southern Europe

Imports in kind, K m³

Following two years of growth, Southern Europe's imports of non-coniferous wood fuel declined in 2020. The region imported 1 260 K m³ that year, representing a substantial 59.3% decrease compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports fell by 26%, equivalent to an annualized decline rate of 9.6%. The peak import volume was recorded in 2019 at 3 099 K m³, while the most significant increase occurred in 2018 with 52.3% growth.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Southern Europe's non-coniferous wood fuel imports showed a diversified geographical structure. Uruguay (34.7%), Brazil (9.1%), and Bulgaria (3.1%) together accounted for 47.0% of total import volume, with no single country holding a clearly dominant position.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

After two consecutive years of growth, Southern Europe's non-coniferous wood fuel imports declined in 2020. Import value reached 131.8 M $ US that year, representing a 53.0% decrease compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, import value fell by 38.6%, equivalent to an annualized decline rate of 15.0%. The highest import value was recorded in 2019 at 280.2 M $ US, while the most significant increase occurred that same year with 15.3% growth.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Southern Europe in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

From 2017 to 2020, Uruguay (40.4%), Brazil (7.2%), and France (3.3%) together accounted for 50.9% of Southern Europe's total non-coniferous wood fuel import value, making them the region's primary sources for these imports.

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

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