Wood charcoal market in Kuwait

Earlier Report Observations

The wood charcoal market in Kuwait began the period at 55 878 t in 2018, then contracted over the next two years to 39 694 t in 2020. Domestic production remained stable, supported by sufficient raw materials and diverse energy sources for local factories. The global COVID-19 pandemic disrupted supply chains in 2020, contributing to the decline in imports. Kuwait's sole calcined charcoal producer, exporting over 90% of its output under long-term Gulf contracts, highlighted the country's position in the regional charcoal trade.

Market volume stabilized in 2021 at 39 830 t, as increased demand for barbecue equipment and new portable charcoal grills reflected shifting consumer preferences toward convenience. The following year, however, saw a sharp drop to 29 798 t, even as suppliers expanded their offerings with mesquite wood chips and high-quality smoking woods, and the outdoor cooking equipment market continued to develop.

In 2023, the market rebounded to 39 237 t, recovering most of the previous year's loss.

Production wood charcoal in Kuwait

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Top producers of wood charcoal, 2017-2020

World map of production of wood charcoal, 2017-2020

Kuwait's wood charcoal production has increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, the country produced 3 171 tonnes of wood charcoal, marking a 1.1% rise compared to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production grew by 3.2%, with a compound annual growth rate of 1.1%.

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

Exports wood charcoal from Kuwait

Exports in kind, t

The market experienced noticeable fluctuations during this period. Exports peaked in 2017 and reached their lowest point in 2020, with a 6.3-fold difference between these years. In 2020, Kuwait exported 376 tonnes of wood charcoal, a 70.4% decrease from the previous year. The largest decline occurred in 2018 at 71.6%, while the largest increase was recorded in 2019 at 87.9%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Iraq and Saudi Arabia formed the dominant pair of markets for exports in kind, jointly accounting for 80.3% of total flows, with other countries making up the remaining share.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

The market exhibited volatility during these years. Exports in value terms reached their highest point in 2019 and their lowest in 2020, reflecting a 2.3-fold gap. In 2020, Kuwait exported 227 thousand US dollars worth of wood charcoal, down 56.4% from the prior year. The maximum value was recorded in 2019 at 522 thousand US dollars, with the largest increase that year at 115.8%.

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

Over the 2017–2020 period, Iraq (38.0% of exports in value terms), Saudi Arabia (35.1%), and Jordan (11.1%) stood out as the main markets for exports in value terms, together representing 84.3% of total flows.

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

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

Imports wood charcoal to Kuwait

Imports in kind, t

Foreign wood charcoal supplies to Kuwait declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, Kuwait imported 45 000 tonnes of wood charcoal, down 15.4% from a year earlier. Between 2017 and 2020, imports decreased by 16.2%, equating to an annualized rate of 5.7%. The maximum volume was recorded in 2018 at 53 450 tonnes. The largest decline occurred in 2019 at 18.4%, while the largest increase was in 2018 at 21.3%.

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

Throughout 2017–2020, Nigeria (25.1% of imports in kind), Vietnam (23.8%), and Indonesia (19.5%) remained the key partners for imports in kind, together accounting for 68.4% of total flows.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

Wood charcoal deliveries to Kuwait declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, imports stood at 18 536 thousand US dollars, representing a significant loss of 11.5% compared to 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, imports decreased by 17.2%, equating to an annualized rate of 6.1%.

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

Over 2017–2020, Vietnam (23.1% of imports in value terms), Nigeria (19.2%), and Indonesia (19.2%) were the main suppliers of wood charcoal to Kuwait, together comprising 61.4% of total imports in value terms.

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

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