Wood charcoal market in CIS

Earlier Report Observations

The wood charcoal market in the CIS experienced significant volatility between 2018 and 2023. After starting at 75,294 t in 2018, market volume contracted sharply to 41,042 t by 2020. This decline coincided with the ruble's devaluation, which put pressure on the timber industry complex, and a 27% drop in the price of wood charcoal in 2020, affecting overall market activity.

A strong recovery began in 2021, with the market expanding to 88,568 t by 2023. This growth was underpinned by active engagement from state bodies, including the Ministry of Natural Resources and the Ministry of Industry and Trade, in discussing and supporting the market. Stable production growth in key federal districts and an increased share of hookah charcoal imports from Indonesia and Thailand also characterized this period of expansion.

Into 2024, market discussions centered on potential regulatory changes and the anticipated growth in industrial use of charcoal. The continued dominance of imported hookah charcoal and the expansion of product assortments, including charcoal from bamboo and nut shells, indicated ongoing diversification within the sector.

Production wood charcoal in CIS

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Top producers of wood charcoal, 2017-2020

World map of production of wood charcoal, 2017-2020

Wood charcoal production in the CIS has declined for the third year in a row. In 2020, the region produced 79 352 tonnes, marking a 1.5% decrease compared to the previous year. Looking at the period from 2017 to 2020, production fell by 16.9%, which translates to an average annual decline of 6.0%.

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

In value, 2017-2020, K $ US

Wood charcoal production in the CIS has declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, the output was valued at 27 236 thousand US dollars, reflecting a 13.7% drop from the year before. Between 2017 and 2020, production decreased by 29.6%, with an average annual rate of decline of 11.0%.

Annual dynamics of production in CIS in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

Exports wood charcoal from CIS

Exports in kind, t

Wood charcoal exports from the CIS have increased for the third year in a row. In 2020, exports reached 58 184 tonnes, showing an 8.8% rise compared to the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, exports grew by 84%, averaging an annual increase of 22.5%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Poland, China, and Latvia were the main buyers of wood charcoal from the CIS in terms of volume. Poland accounted for 22.5% of exports, China for 22.3%, and Latvia for 9.8%. Together, these three countries made up 54.6% of total exports.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

After two years of growth, wood charcoal exports from the CIS declined in 2020. Exports were valued at 19 971 thousand US dollars, down 4.7% from the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, exports increased by 55.9%, with an average annual growth rate of 16.0%. The peak value was recorded in 2019 at 20 966 thousand US dollars, with the largest increase of 31.9% also occurring that year.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Poland, France, and Latvia were significant buyers of wood charcoal from the CIS in value terms. Poland accounted for 19.8% of exports, France for 13.1%, and Latvia for 11.0%. However, their combined share was only 43.9% of total exports, with the remaining 56.1% spread across numerous other trading partners.

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

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

Imports wood charcoal to CIS

Imports in kind, t

After two years of growth, wood charcoal imports into the CIS declined in 2020. Imports totalled 19 874 tonnes, a 29.0% decrease compared to 2019. From 2017 to 2020, imports fell by 2.8%, with an average annual decline of 0.9%. The highest volume was recorded in 2019 at 28 011 tonnes, with the largest increase of 17.1% also occurring that year.

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

From 2017 to 2020, wood charcoal imports into the CIS came from a diverse range of countries. Indonesia was the largest source, accounting for 34.8% of imports, followed by Ukraine at 2.9% and Poland at 1.3%. Together, these three countries represented 39.0% of total import flows.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

After two years of growth, wood charcoal imports into the CIS declined in 2020. Imports were valued at 14 808 thousand US dollars, down 25.9% from the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports increased by 9.5%, with an average annual growth rate of 3.1%. The peak value was recorded in 2019 at 19 977 thousand US dollars, while the largest increase of 30.1% occurred in 2018.

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

Throughout 2017 to 2020, Indonesia, Poland, and Ukraine were the core sources of wood charcoal imports into the CIS in value terms. Indonesia accounted for 50.6% of imports, Poland for 3.4%, and Ukraine for 2.6%. Together, these three countries made up 56.6% of total import flows.

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

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