Wood charcoal market in Northern Europe

Earlier Report Observations

The market for wood charcoal in Northern Europe experienced significant fluctuations between 2018 and 2023. Market volume started at 221.3 thousand tonnes in 2018, peaked at 252.0 thousand tonnes in 2022, and then declined to 182.4 thousand tonnes in 2023. Domestic production remained relatively small, increasing from 9.8 thousand tonnes to 14.8 thousand tonnes over the period, while imports dominated supply.

The market contraction in 2020 was primarily driven by the COVID-19 pandemic, which reduced overall economic activity and demand. In contrast, the market expansion in 2022 was supported by global supply chain challenges that prompted increased import volumes and by rising consumer preference for environmentally friendly products. Additionally, the emergence of biochar as a soil amendment segment began to gradually influence production trends.

Throughout the period, the market maintained a focus on sustainability and energy-efficient production methods. However, no major new players, state-owned companies, or large-scale facilities entered or exited the market, and there were no documented changes in legislation, labeling requirements, or distribution regulations specifically for wood charcoal.

Production wood charcoal in Northern Europe

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Top producers of wood charcoal, 2017-2020

World map of production of wood charcoal, 2017-2020

In 2020, Northern Europe produced 13,619 tons of wood charcoal, showing little change from the previous year. Compared to 2019, production remained nearly stable. Looking at the period from 2017 to 2020, production decreased by 26%, which translates to an average annual decline of 9.6%. The lowest production level was recorded in 2018 at 9,812 tons. That year also saw the largest decline of 46.7%. In contrast, 2019 experienced the biggest increase, with production rising by 39.3%.

Annual dynamics of production in Northern Europe in kind, 2017-2020, t

In value, 2017-2020, K $ US

Northern Europe's wood charcoal production value increased for the second year in a row. In 2020, the output was valued at 8,392 thousand US dollars, marking a modest rise of 4.9% compared to the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, production value decreased by 17.5%, with a compound annual growth rate of -6.2%. The lowest value was recorded in 2018 at 5,675 thousand US dollars, which also saw the largest decline of 44.2%. The biggest increase occurred in 2019, with a 41.0% rise.

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

Exports wood charcoal from Northern Europe

Exports in kind, K t

Wood charcoal exports from Northern Europe declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, exports totaled 30.9 thousand tons, showing only a marginal fluctuation compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports decreased by 20.7%, with a compound annual growth rate of -7.4%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Northern Europe in kind, 2017-2020, K t

From 2017 to 2020, the main destinations for wood charcoal exports from Northern Europe in volume terms were France, accounting for 36.0% of exports, Poland with 12.3%, and Belgium at 8.1%. Together, these three countries represented 56.5% of total export flows.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

After a two-year decline, wood charcoal exports from Northern Europe increased in value. In 2020, exports were recorded at 19.1 million US dollars, indicating a gain of 4.7% compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports decreased by 11.6%, with a compound annual growth rate of -4.0%. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 18.2 million US dollars, while the largest decline occurred in 2018 at 9.8%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Northern Europe in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

From 2017 to 2020, wood charcoal exports from Northern Europe in value terms were characterized by a broad spread across markets. France was the top destination with 35.0% of exports, followed by Belgium at 7.6%, and Norway at 6.6%. Together, these three countries accounted for 49.2% of total export flows.

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

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

Imports wood charcoal to Northern Europe

Imports in kind, K t

After a two-year increase, Northern Europe's wood charcoal imports declined in volume. In 2020, imports amounted to approximately 227.6 thousand tons, representing a substantial reduction of 10.3% from the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, imports increased by 12.2%, equating to an annualized growth rate of 3.9%. The highest volume was recorded in 2019 at 253.7 thousand tons, while the largest increase occurred in 2018 at 20.9%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Northern Europe in kind, 2017-2020, K t

From 2017 to 2020, the partner portfolio for wood charcoal imports to Northern Europe in volume terms was quite broad. Poland led with 23.7% of imports, followed by Indonesia at 14.2%, and Spain at 12.1%. Together, these three countries represented 49.9% of total import flows.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

Wood charcoal imports to Northern Europe increased in value for the third consecutive year. In 2020, imports amounted to 135.6 million US dollars, representing a 5.3% increase from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports increased by 22.8%, with a compound annual growth rate of 7.1%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Northern Europe in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

From 2017 to 2020, the main sources for wood charcoal imports to Northern Europe in value terms were Poland, accounting for 26.8% of imports, Indonesia with 16.0%, and South Africa at 11.5%. Together, these three countries accounted for 54.3% of total import flows.

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

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