Wood charcoal market in Asia, 2026

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2019, the wood charcoal market in Asia expanded, with volume rising from 9 007 thousand tons to 9 868 thousand tons. This growth was driven by increased consumer demand for outdoor cooking during summer months and the growing use of charcoal as a fuel source in urban areas. Simultaneously, rising timber production provided more raw material for charcoal manufacturing, supporting higher output.

The COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 disrupted market trends, leading to a contraction to 9 332 thousand tons. However, technological innovations in charcoal production helped improve efficiency, and by 2022, heightened environmental awareness among consumers boosted demand for low-impact charcoal products, aiding market recovery to 9 528 thousand tons.

In the following years, government policies to protect forest resources influenced raw material sourcing, while major companies expanded production facilities and launched new products. Intensified competition favored firms with economies of scale, and export market growth led to stricter quality and packaging standards, with market volume reaching 9 622 thousand tons in 2023.

Production wood charcoal in Asia

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of wood charcoal, 2017-2020

World map of production of wood charcoal, 2017-2020

Asia's wood charcoal production saw a two-year improvement before declining. In 2019, production reached its peak at 9 080 K t, with the largest annual increase of 0.3%. However, in 2020, production fell to 8 914 K t, marking a 1.8% year-over-year contraction.

Annual dynamics of production in Asia in kind, 2017-2020, K t

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Wood charcoal production in Asia increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, the output was valued at 37 706 M $ US, representing a 10.7% rise compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production grew by 33.7%, with a compound annual growth rate of 10.2%.

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

Exports wood charcoal from Asia

Exports in kind, K t

The market exhibited volatility during these years. In 2019, exports hit their lowest point at 307 K t, with the largest decline of 59.0%. In contrast, 2018 saw the highest export volume at 749 K t, creating a 2.4-fold difference between these years. By 2020, exports rebounded to 525 K t, showing a significant 71.0% improvement from the previous year.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Asia in kind, 2017-2020, K t

From 2017 to 2020, wood charcoal exports from Asia were distributed across many countries. Norway accounted for 2.5% of exports in kind, Asia (not elsewhere specified) for 2.0%, and Australia for 1.7%, with these three jointly making up only 6.2% of total flows.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

Foreign wood charcoal supplies from Asia increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, export volume totaled 643.6 M $ US, corresponding to a 1.0% rise compared to the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, exports grew by 31.7%, equating to an annualized rate of 9.6%.

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

The structure of exports in value terms from 2017 to 2020 indicates a diversified set of partners. Germany contributed 2.0% of exports in value terms, the Netherlands 1.8%, and the United States 1.7%, with these three jointly accounting for only 5.5% of total flows. The remaining 94.5% was dispersed among numerous smaller markets.

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

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

Imports wood charcoal to Asia

Imports in kind, K t

After a two-year increase, Asia's wood charcoal import volume declined. In 2019, imports peaked at 1 095 K t, with the largest annual increase of 56.5%. However, in 2020, imports fell to 942 K t, corresponding to a strong 13.9% year-over-year drop. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports still increased by 49.5%, equating to an annualized rate of 14.3%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Asia in kind, 2017-2020, K t

From 2017 to 2020, wood charcoal imports to Asia came from a broad set of markets. Nigeria supplied 7.5% of imports in kind, Cuba 2.1%, and Russia 1.9%, with these three together accounting for only 11.5% of total imports. The remaining 88.5% was formed by many smaller destinations.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

Asia's wood charcoal imports declined for the second consecutive year. In 2018, imports reached their maximum value at 761.3 M $ US, with the largest increase of 18.0%. By 2020, imports had fallen to 645.4 M $ US, which is 13.5% less than the previous year.

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

From 2017 to 2020, wood charcoal imports to Asia involved trade with many countries. Even the largest destinations — Nigeria, Paraguay, and Cuba — together represented only 9.5% of total imports in value terms.

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

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