Wood charcoal market in Bolivia

Earlier Report Observations

Between 2018 and 2020, Bolivia's wood charcoal production rose from 36 000 t to 48 372 t, while market volume expanded from 35 162 t to 48 364 t. This growth was driven by intensive use of forest resources in the Chaco region, where over half of land clearance was dedicated to charcoal production. Artisanal producers like Carbón Vegetal Bolivia scaled up output using traditional kilns, and stable export prices in Santa Cruz, ranging from USD 300 to 350 per tonne, supported commercial activity.

After 2020, production stabilized around 48 372 t, but market volume fell to 35 805 t by 2023 as exports surged from under 1 000 t in 2018 to 12 567 t in 2023. The quadrupling of charcoal exports between 2010 and 2022 reflected growing international demand, diverting supply from the domestic market. In 2023, Eco-K Internacional SRL introduced pressed-branch residue briquettes as an eco-friendly charcoal alternative, diversifying the product range. Environmental concerns also mounted, with over 2 000 hectares of forest cleared in the Chaco for charcoal production.

Bolivia's involvement in global carbon market schemes like REDD+ highlighted the environmental pressures from charcoal production, coinciding with the market's shift toward exports and the introduction of ecological products.

Production wood charcoal in Bolivia

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Top producers of wood charcoal, 2017-2020

World map of production of wood charcoal, 2017-2020

Bolivia's wood charcoal production increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, the country produced 48 372 tonnes of wood charcoal, marking a 15.1% rise compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, production grew by 34.4%, with a compound annual growth rate of 10.3%. The largest decline occurred in 2018, while the most significant increase was recorded in 2019 at 16.8%.

Annual dynamics of production in Bolivia in kind, 2017-2020, t

Exports wood charcoal from Bolivia

Exports in kind, t

Market performance showed noticeable fluctuations during this period. Wood charcoal exports in Bolivia reached 8.1 tonnes in 2020, reflecting a sharp increase of 186.3% compared to the previous year. The minimum value was recorded in 2019 at 2.8 tonnes, while the maximum value occurred in 2018 at 838.9 tonnes. From the low in 2019 to the high in 2018, export volumes varied by a factor of 295. The largest decline was recorded in 2019 at 99.7%, and the largest increase occurred in 2018 at 345.0%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Chile accounted for 83.0% of Bolivia's total wood charcoal exports by volume, with the remaining flows distributed among a broad group of smaller countries.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

Bolivia's wood charcoal exports increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, exports totaled 484.2 thousand US dollars, representing a 50.0% increase from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports grew by 999.1%, with a compound annual growth rate of 122.3%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Bolivia's wood charcoal exports were primarily directed toward Chile, which accounted for 92.7% of total export value.

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

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

Imports wood charcoal to Bolivia

Imports in kind, t

The data reveals irregular changes, indicating a volatile market environment. Bolivia imported approximately 0.0 tonnes of wood charcoal in 2019, marking a decrease of 99.8% year-over-year. The maximum value was recorded in 2018 at 1.1 tonnes. Imports bottomed in 2019 and peaked in 2018, differing by a factor of 550. The largest increase was recorded in 2018 at 587.5%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, China and Germany clearly led the ranking for Bolivia's wood charcoal imports by volume, with their combined share reaching 99.8% of total flows.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

The data reveals irregular changes, indicating a volatile market environment. In 2019, Bolivia's wood charcoal imports amounted to 0.4 thousand US dollars, up by 2.6% from the previous year. The minimum value was recorded in 2018 at 0.4 thousand US dollars. Imports bottomed in 2018 and peaked in 2017, differing by a factor of 6.5. The largest decline was recorded in 2018 at 84.5%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Germany was the primary destination for Bolivia's wood charcoal imports in value terms, accounting for 76.2% of total flows, while other markets formed a long tail of smaller partners.

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

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