Wood charcoal market in Russia

Earlier Report Observations

The Russian wood charcoal market volume experienced significant fluctuations between 2018 and 2020. Starting at 43.8 thousand tons in 2018, supported by import substitution and rising producer profitability stimulated by sanctions, the market volume dropped sharply to 23.4 thousand tons in 2019. The COVID-19 pandemic caused a temporary production downturn in 2020, but the market recovered by year-end, reaching 31.0 thousand tons.

From 2021, the market entered a phase of strong expansion, with volume jumping to 50.3 thousand tons in 2021 and further to 58.6 thousand tons in 2022. This surge was primarily driven by increased retail demand for packaged charcoal and the emergence of new product segments, notably briquetted charcoal. Furthermore, the introduction of restrictive measures on supplies to the European Union in 2022 led to a 26% drop in exports and a reorientation towards markets like Turkey, which increased product availability domestically and supported market growth.

Market growth continued in 2023 and 2024, reaching 59.3 thousand tons and 65.7 thousand tons, respectively. This sustained expansion was underpinned by the development of production and packaging technologies, including individual packaging, and the strengthening of Russian producers' positions in the domestic market. Competition intensified with the entry of new players and the development of new product segments.

Production wood charcoal in Russia

In kind, 2018-2021, t

Top producers of wood charcoal, 2018-2021

World map of production of wood charcoal, 2018-2021

After two years of decline, Russia's wood charcoal production rebounded in 2021. The country produced 75 153 tonnes, marking a 13.2% increase compared to 2020. However, looking at the broader period from 2018 to 2021, production decreased by 5.5%, which translates to an average annual decline of 1.9%. The lowest production level was recorded in 2020 at 66 417 tonnes, while the sharpest drop occurred in 2019 with a 14.5% decrease.

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

Exports wood charcoal from Russia

Exports in kind, t

Russia's wood charcoal exports declined for the second consecutive year in 2021. The export volume stood at 41 384 tonnes, reflecting a significant 15.9% decrease compared to 2020. Over the period from 2018 to 2021, exports fell by 14.1%, averaging an annual decline of 4.9%. The peak export volume was recorded in 2019 at 57 129 tonnes, which also saw the largest increase of 18.6% that year.

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

From 2018 to 2021, three key markets—China, Poland, and Kazakhstan—collectively accounted for 53.1% of Russia's total wood charcoal exports by volume.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

In 2021, Russia's wood charcoal exports in value terms reached 16 255 thousand US dollars, showing a strong 22.7% increase compared to 2020. Over the 2018–2021 period, export value grew by 19.6%, with an average annual growth rate of 6.2%. The lowest value was recorded in 2020 at 13 245 thousand US dollars, while the highest was in 2019 at 16 528 thousand US dollars. The most substantial decline occurred in 2020, with a 19.9% drop.

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

The structure of Russia's wood charcoal exports in value terms from 2018 to 2021 was diversified. Kazakhstan (15.6% of export value), France (14.6%), and Latvia (12.2%) together represented just 42.4% of total flows, with no single country holding a clearly dominant position.

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

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

Imports wood charcoal to Russia

Imports in kind, t

Russia's wood charcoal imports rose to approximately 15 530 tonnes in 2021, indicating a robust 19.6% increase compared to 2020. Over the 2018–2021 period, imports grew by 30.7%, with a compound annual growth rate of 9.3%. The largest decline was recorded in 2020 at 6.3%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, Indonesia dominated Russia's wood charcoal imports by volume, accounting for 75.0% of total flows, while other markets had relatively modest shares.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

Russia's wood charcoal imports in value terms increased for the third consecutive year in 2021, reaching 12 942 thousand US dollars, which represents a 42.1% gain year-over-year. Over the 2018–2021 period, import value grew by 45.9%, with a compound annual growth rate of 13.4%.

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

In the 2018–2021 period, Indonesia concentrated most of Russia's wood charcoal imports in value terms, taking 80.8% of total flows, with a fragmented distribution among other markets.

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

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