Wood charcoal market in Central Asia

Earlier Report Observations

The wood charcoal market in Central Asia showed considerable variation from 2018 to 2023. Total market volume reached a high of 17,423 t in 2019, then fell sharply to 7,027 t in 2020 before recovering to 9,668 t by 2023. This pattern was largely driven by import volatility, with purchases from abroad dropping from 15,834 t in 2019 to 5,045 t in 2020.

Domestic production followed a strong upward trend from 2020 onward, rising from 2,053 t to a peak of 4,491 t in 2022. This growth was supported by the active development of agriculture and increasing popularity of eco-friendly products in the region, particularly in Kazakhstan. The industry's expansion involved numerous private companies, with major players contributing to production capacity in a sector centered on Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and Turkmenistan.

In the later years, the market continued to be shaped by robust domestic demand and export opportunities. While production remained elevated, the overall market volume stayed below its 2019 peak as import levels did not fully recover to previous highs.

Production wood charcoal in Central Asia

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Top producers of wood charcoal, 2017-2020

World map of production of wood charcoal, 2017-2020

The data reveals irregular changes, indicating a volatile market environment. From 2017 to 2020, production levels fluctuated significantly, with a peak-to-trough amplitude of 2.5 times. In 2019, production experienced its largest decline at 9.8%. The following year, 2020, saw a sharp increase of 25.1% compared to 2019, with Central Asia producing 2 053 tonnes of wood charcoal. The most substantial growth occurred in 2018, with a remarkable increase of 125.7%.

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

Exports wood charcoal from Central Asia

Exports in kind, t

Wood charcoal exports from Central Asia have increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, exports reached 71 tonnes, marking a 38.2% rise compared to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, exports surged by 42 718.8%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 653.7%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Russia and Germany were the main buyers of wood charcoal from Central Asia, together accounting for 36.0% of total exports in volume.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

Central Asia's wood charcoal exports have risen for the third year in a row. In 2020, exports amounted to 36 thousand US dollars, up by 10.7% from 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, exports grew by 39 834.4%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 636.4%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Russia and Germany maintained their positions as the primary buyers of wood charcoal from Central Asia, collectively representing 20.7% of total exports in value.

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

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

Imports wood charcoal to Central Asia

Imports in kind, t

The market showed signs of volatility during the observed period. Imports reached their lowest point in 2020 and peaked in 2019, with a 3.1-fold difference between these years. In 2020, Central Asia imported a total of wood charcoal, which was 68.1% lower year-over-year. The maximum volume was recorded in 2019 at 15 834 tonnes. The largest increase occurred in 2019, with a rise of 24.8%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the geographical pattern of imports in volume was characterized by a strong dominance of Russia, which held an 85.9% share of total flows, while other partners accounted for relatively minor portions.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

The market exhibited an unstable trend throughout the timeframe. Imports hit their low in 2020 and their high in 2019, varying by 3.8 times between these years. In 2020, wood charcoal imports into Central Asia amounted to 1 646 thousand US dollars, down by 73.5% compared to the previous year. The maximum value was recorded in 2019 at 6 219 thousand US dollars. The largest increase was in 2019, with a growth of 32.4%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Russia remained the dominant source for imports in value terms, with an 84.6% share of total flows, while the remainder was fragmented across other markets.

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

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