Wood charcoal market in the United Arab Emirates

Earlier Report Observations

The wood charcoal market in the UAE showed considerable movement between 2018 and 2024. Starting at 64.4 thousand tons in 2018, the market volume was influenced by strong global demand and a notable increase in worldwide trade, which supported import levels. A contraction followed, bringing the market size down to 55.7 thousand tons by 2020.

A recovery phase began in 2021, with the market expanding to 78.8 thousand tons in 2022. This growth was followed by a period of stabilization in 2023, where the market volume reached 76.1 thousand tons. During this time, major industry developments included Royal Oak Company's launch of sustainable packaging initiatives for charcoal products, aligning with a broader consumer shift toward environmentally responsible goods.

By 2024, trade flows indicated a significant reduction, with imports falling to 53.1 thousand tons and exports dropping to 7.0 thousand tons. This shift occurred alongside a global decline in wood charcoal consumption, which ended a seven-year growth trend, while demand continued to favor natural lump charcoal and eco-friendly product variants.

Production wood charcoal in the United Arab Emirates

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Top producers of wood charcoal, 2017-2020

World map of production of wood charcoal, 2017-2020

Wood charcoal production in the United Arab Emirates increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, the country produced 2 744 tonnes of wood charcoal, showing little to no change compared to the previous year.

Annual dynamics of production in the United Arab Emirates in kind, 2017-2020, t

In value, 2017-2020, K $ US

Wood charcoal production in the United Arab Emirates increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, the output was valued at 1 492 thousand US dollars, marking a 14.9% rise compared to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production grew by 12.9%, with a compound annual growth rate of 4.1%. The lowest value was recorded in 2018 at 997 thousand US dollars, which also saw the largest decline of 24.5%. In contrast, 2019 experienced the largest increase of 30.2%.

Annual dynamics of production in the United Arab Emirates in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

Exports wood charcoal from the United Arab Emirates

Exports in kind, K t

The market showed an unstable trend throughout the period. Export volumes reached their lowest point in 2017 and peaked in 2018, with a 2.9-fold difference between these years. In 2020, the United Arab Emirates exported 14.7 thousand tonnes of wood charcoal, down by 31.3% from the previous year. The maximum volume was recorded in 2018 at 34.9 thousand tonnes. The largest decline occurred in 2019 with a 38.8% drop, while the largest increase was in 2018 at 193.3%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from the United Arab Emirates in kind, 2017-2020, K t

From 2017 to 2020, Saudi Arabia, Oman, and Kuwait were the main destinations for wood charcoal exports in kind. Saudi Arabia accounted for 36.5% of exports, Oman for 28.0%, and Kuwait for 16.9%. Together, these three countries represented 81.5% of total export flows.

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

World map of product's exports from the United Arab Emirates in kind, 2017-2020

Exports in value, K $ US

Market performance showed noticeable fluctuations during this period. Export values peaked in 2018 and hit their lowest point in 2017, with a 2.2-fold difference between these years. In 2020, the United Arab Emirates exported wood charcoal worth 7 989 thousand US dollars, a significant drop of 21.3% from the previous year. The maximum value was recorded in 2018 at 12 757 thousand US dollars, which also saw the largest increase of 121.0%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from the United Arab Emirates in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

From 2017 to 2020, Oman, Saudi Arabia, and Kuwait accounted for the largest share of wood charcoal exports in value terms. Oman represented 29.9% of exports, Saudi Arabia 25.4%, and Kuwait 16.4%. Combined, these three destinations made up 71.7% of total export flows.

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

World map of product's exports from the United Arab Emirates in value, 2017-2020

Imports wood charcoal to the United Arab Emirates

Imports in kind, K t

Wood charcoal imports into the United Arab Emirates declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, imports amounted to 67.6 thousand tonnes, showing a strong decrease of 18.1% year-over-year. Between 2017 and 2020, imports fell by 36%, equating to an annualized decline rate of 13.8%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to the United Arab Emirates in kind, 2017-2020, K t

From 2017 to 2020, Nigeria, Vietnam, and Indonesia were the top suppliers of wood charcoal to the United Arab Emirates in kind. Nigeria accounted for 34.6% of imports, Vietnam for 16.0%, and Indonesia for 15.2%. Together, these three countries supplied 65.8% of total imports.

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

World map of product's imports to the United Arab Emirates in kind, 2017-2020

Imports in value, K $ US

Wood charcoal imports into the United Arab Emirates declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, imports totalled 28 504 thousand US dollars, which is 23.4% less than the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports decreased by 22.3%, with a compound annual decline rate of 8.1%. The highest value was recorded in 2018 at 37 485 thousand US dollars, which also saw the largest increase of 2.1%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to the United Arab Emirates in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

From 2017 to 2020, Nigeria, Indonesia, and Vietnam were the principal sources of wood charcoal imports in value terms. Nigeria accounted for 28.4% of imports, Indonesia for 19.5%, and Vietnam for 18.3%. Collectively, these three countries represented 66.1% of total import flows.

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

World map of product's imports to the United Arab Emirates in value, 2017-2020