Non coniferous wood fuel market in the United States

Earlier Report Observations

The market volume for non-coniferous wood fuel in the United States experienced significant fluctuations between 2018 and 2023. Starting at 38.3 million cubic meters in 2018, it remained relatively stable in 2019 before dropping sharply to 33.7 million cubic meters in 2020. The market then recovered over the next two years, reaching 40.1 million cubic meters in 2022, the highest point in the period. However, in 2023, the market volume collapsed to 23.9 million cubic meters, a decline of over 40% from the previous year.

In the broader context up to 2024, several factors have shaped the market environment. Rising electricity and gas prices have made fuelwood a cost-effective energy alternative for many households, supporting underlying demand. At the same time, the construction of large export-oriented wood pellet factories in the US South, driven by European demand, has influenced production scales and likely diverted some raw material resources away from traditional non-coniferous wood fuel output.

Production non coniferous wood fuel in the United States

In kind, 2017-2020, K m³

From 2017 to 2020, the United States ranked as the world's 10th largest producer of non-coniferous wood fuel.

Top producers of non coniferous wood fuel, 2017-2020

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

Non-coniferous wood fuel production in the United States declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, the country produced 34 200 K m³, marking a significant year-over-year decrease of 11.4%. Over the 2017-2020 period, production fell by 34.4%, with a compound annual growth rate of -13.1%.

Annual dynamics of production in the United States in kind, 2017-2020, K m³

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

The value of non-coniferous wood fuel production in the United States dropped for the third year in a row. In 2020, output was valued at 1 185 M $ US, representing a sharp decline of 10.7% from 2019. From 2017 to 2020, production value decreased by 30.3%, with a compound annual growth rate of -11.4%.

Annual dynamics of production in the United States in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Exports non coniferous wood fuel from the United States

Exports in kind, K m³

Non-coniferous wood fuel exports from the United States fell for the third consecutive year. In 2020, exports totaled 589 K m³, down 7.5% compared to 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, exports decreased by 50.4%, equating to an annualized decline of 20.8%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, three key markets—Canada, Mexico, and Chile—collectively accounted for 76.8% of total U.S. non-coniferous wood fuel exports in volume terms.

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

World map of product's exports from the United States in kind, 2017-2020

Exports in value, K $ US

The value of non-coniferous wood fuel exports from the United States declined for the third straight year. In 2020, exports amounted to 20 408 K $ US, a 6.8% decrease year-over-year. Over the 2017-2020 period, export value dropped by 47.3%, with a compound annual growth rate of -19.2%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Canada (52.4% of export value), Mexico (19.8%), and Chile (6.6%) were the top buyers of non-coniferous wood fuel from the United States, together representing 78.9% of total export value.

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

World map of product's exports from the United States in value, 2017-2020

Imports non coniferous wood fuel to the United States

Imports in kind, K m³

Import volumes showed irregular changes, reflecting a volatile market environment. The lowest volume was recorded in 2018 at 31 K m³, while the highest was in 2017, with a 3.9-fold difference between these years. In 2020, imports reached 99 K m³, a 42.7% increase from the previous year. The largest decline occurred in 2018 at 74.3%, and the largest increase was in 2019 at 121.2%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Canada (34.4% of import volume), Latvia (28.1%), and France (18.7%) consistently led as the main sources for non-coniferous wood fuel imports into the United States, jointly making up 81.2% of total import volume.

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

World map of product's imports to the United States in kind, 2017-2020

Imports in value, K $ US

Import values exhibited irregular fluctuations, indicating market volatility. The lowest value was in 2018 at 12 803 K $ US, with the highest in 2020, showing a 2.7-fold range between these years. In 2020, imports totaled 34 342 K $ US, up 33.4% from the previous year. The largest decline was in 2018 at 9.0%, and the largest increase was in 2019 at 101.1%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, France (33.9% of import value), Latvia (28.7%), and Canada (15.1%) were the primary sources for non-coniferous wood fuel imports into the United States, together accounting for 77.6% of total import value.

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

World map of product's imports to the United States in value, 2017-2020