Wood charcoal market in Slovenia

Earlier Report Observations

The market volume for wood charcoal in Slovenia grew from 3 409 t in 2018 to 3 856 t in 2021. This expansion occurred alongside increased roundwood processing in the industry, which bolstered the raw material base for charcoal production. The first quality analysis of grill charcoal on the Slovenian market in 2021 also raised awareness about product standards.

After peaking in 2021, the market volume declined to 3 430 t in 2022 and further to 3 012 t in 2023. In June 2023, the updated quality standard SIST EN 1860-2:2023 for charcoal and grill briquettes was introduced, enforcing stricter quality and safety requirements for products on the market.

In 2024, key developments included a 15% rise in roundwood production, public tenders for non-repayable investment funds in the wood industry, and legislative changes such as proposed amendments to the Forest Act, all affecting the resource base and operational framework for charcoal production.

Production wood charcoal in Slovenia

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of wood charcoal, 2017-2020

World map of production of wood charcoal, 2017-2020

The data reveals irregular changes, indicating a volatile market environment. Import levels fluctuated significantly, with a 2-fold difference between the low in 2017 and the high in 2018. In 2020, Slovenia produced 1.0 K t of wood charcoal, which remained broadly stable compared to 2019. The maximum production value was recorded in 2018 at 1.0 K t. The largest decline occurred in 2019, with a 0.0% change, while the largest increase was in 2018, reaching 100.0%.

Annual dynamics of production in Slovenia in kind, 2017-2020, K t

Exports wood charcoal from Slovenia

Exports in kind, t

Volatility characterized the market behavior during these years. The period saw a trough in 2020 and a peak in 2019, showing a 1.8-fold gap. In 2020, Slovenia exported 897 t of wood charcoal, which is 45.5% weaker compared to the previous year. The maximum value was recorded in 2019 at 1 647 t. The largest increase occurred in 2019, reaching 71.9%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Italy held the dominant position in exports in kind, accounting for 84.3% of total flows, while the remaining share was distributed among various smaller destinations.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

After a two-year improvement, wood charcoal exports in Slovenia declined. In 2020, exports totaled 660 K $ US, marking an intense decline of 33.8% versus the previous year. Over the period 2017-2020, exports increased by 57.5%, with a CAGR of 16.4%. The maximum value was recorded in 2019 at 997 K $ US. The largest increase occurred in 2019, reaching 56.6%.

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

Throughout 2017 to 2020, Italy played the leading role in exports in value terms, with a share of 72.4% of total flows, while other markets together accounted for the rest.

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

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

Imports wood charcoal to Slovenia

Imports in kind, t

After a two-year increase, wood charcoal imports in Slovenia declined. In 2020, imports were recorded at 3 671 t, amounting to a fall of 13.3% versus the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, imports increased by 36.4%, equating to a 10.9% annualized rate. The maximum value was recorded in 2019 at 4 235 t. The largest increase occurred in 2019, reaching 25.8%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Bosnia and Herzegovina (44.1% of imports in kind), Serbia (20.3% of imports in kind), and Spain (13.5% of imports in kind) formed the main group of destinations for imports in kind of wood charcoal to Slovenia, with a combined share of 77.9% of total flows.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

After a two-year rise, wood charcoal imports in Slovenia declined. In 2020, imports totaled 2 260 K $ US, amounting to a fall of 8.2% from 2019. Over the period 2017-2020, imports increased by 54%, with a CAGR of 15.5%. The maximum value was recorded in 2019 at 2 461 K $ US. The largest increase occurred in 2018, reaching 39.1%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Bosnia and Herzegovina (40.6% of imports in value terms), Serbia (18.1% of imports in value terms), and Poland (9.5% of imports in value terms) remained the principal suppliers of wood charcoal to Slovenia, jointly accounting for 68.1% of total imports in value terms.

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

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