Wood charcoal market in Japan

Earlier Report Observations

The Japanese wood charcoal market volume held steady at around 168 thousand tons in both 2018 and 2019. During this period, Iwate charcoal secured a Geographical Indication (GI) certification, bolstering its profile for export opportunities, while the global spread of Japanese cuisine sustained international interest in high-quality product.

Market volume dropped sharply to 143.6 thousand tons in 2020 due to supply chain disruptions and dampened demand caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. The decline continued into 2021, with volume reaching 140.3 thousand tons, reflecting the pandemic's lingering effects on trade and consumption.

A recovery began in 2022, with market volume rising to 144.9 thousand tons and further to 147.9 thousand tons in 2023. This rebound was driven by the post-pandemic resumption of economic activity, alongside new demand drivers such as the approval of biochar soil application under the J-Credit system for CO2 reduction and legislative changes promoting investment in decarbonization projects.

Production wood charcoal in Japan

In kind, 2018-2021, t

Top producers of wood charcoal, 2018-2021

World map of production of wood charcoal, 2018-2021

Japan's wood charcoal production has declined for the second year in a row. In 2021, the country produced 12,000 tonnes of wood charcoal, representing a 7.7% decrease from the previous year. Over the period from 2018 to 2021, production fell by 20%, with a compound annual growth rate of -7.2%. The largest increase occurred in 2019, at 0.0%, while the most significant decline was recorded in 2020, at 13.3%.

Annual dynamics of production in Japan in kind, 2018-2021, t

Exports wood charcoal from Japan

Exports in kind, K t

The market exhibited volatility during the observed period. Export volumes reached their lowest point in 2021 and peaked in 2020, showing a 3.7-fold difference between these years. In 2021, Japan's wood charcoal export volume was 0.3 thousand tonnes, reflecting a sharp decline of 72.8% compared to the previous year. The highest volume was recorded in 2020, at 1.2 thousand tonnes, with the largest increase that year at 153.2%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Japan in kind, 2018-2021, K t

From 2018 to 2021, the main destinations for Japan's wood charcoal exports in kind were Asia, not elsewhere specified (23.2% of exports), Vietnam (19.2% of exports), and the United Arab Emirates (16.6% of exports). Together, these three destinations accounted for 59.0% of total export flows.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's exports from Japan in kind, 2018-2021

Exports in value, M $ US

Wood charcoal exports from Japan have declined for the third consecutive year. In 2021, exports amounted to 2.2 million US dollars, which is 31.9% lower than in 2020. Over the period from 2018 to 2021, exports decreased by 38.5%, with a compound annual growth rate of -15.0%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Japan in value, 2018-2021, M $ US

From 2018 to 2021, the country structure of exports in value terms was highly diversified. The United Arab Emirates (26.3% of exports), Saudi Arabia (12.6% of exports), and France (8.6% of exports) together accounted for 47.4% of total flows, while a long tail of smaller markets made up the remaining 52.6%.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's exports from Japan in value, 2018-2021

Imports wood charcoal to Japan

Imports in kind, K t

Wood charcoal imports into Japan have declined for the second consecutive year. In 2021, Japan imported 153.4 thousand tonnes of wood charcoal, marking a 2.5% drop from the previous year. Over the period from 2018 to 2021, imports decreased by 16.1%, with a compound annual growth rate of -5.7%. The highest import volume was recorded in 2019, at 153.4 thousand tonnes, with the largest increase that year at 0.1%. The most significant decline occurred in 2020, at 14.0%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Japan in kind, 2018-2021, K t

Throughout 2018 to 2021, China (26.2% of imports in kind), Malaysia (19.9% of imports), and Indonesia (18.4% of imports) were the key sources for Japan's wood charcoal imports. Together, these three countries accounted for 64.4% of total import flows.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's imports to Japan in kind, 2018-2021

Imports in value, M $ US

After a two-year decline, wood charcoal imports into Japan increased in 2021. The import volume amounted to 111.7 million US dollars, showing a modest gain of 2.5% from the previous year. Over the period from 2018 to 2021, imports decreased by 15.3%, with a compound annual growth rate of -5.4%. The lowest value was recorded in 2020, at 109.0 million US dollars, with the largest decline that year at 15.2%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Japan in value, 2018-2021, M $ US

From 2018 to 2021, China (25.8% of imports in value terms), Malaysia (18.2% of imports), and Indonesia (16.1% of imports) remained the principal suppliers of wood charcoal to Japan. Together, these three countries accounted for 60.0% of total imports in value terms.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's imports to Japan in value, 2018-2021