Wood charcoal market in the United States

Earlier Report Observations

Between 2018 and 2023, the US wood charcoal market saw its value increase significantly from 717.5 million USD to 1 046.1 million USD, while the physical volume fluctuated between 940 and 1 013 thousand tons. The initial period was influenced by growing regulatory and environmental factors that began shaping production and trade. The COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 shifted consumer preferences towards natural and sustainable fuels, supporting market growth during that year.

Post-pandemic recovery emphasized sustainability and product innovation. The entry of new players focused on premium and eco-friendly segments, along with the introduction of formats like briquettes and lump charcoal, drove value growth. Simultaneously, stricter labeling and traceability regulations in key markets, coupled with global fluctuations in wood and energy prices, affected costs and market structure, contributing to higher market value even when volume stabilized.

By 2023, a strong consumer shift towards products with lower environmental impact solidified sustainability as a core market driver. Increased investment in certified production and emission reduction efforts, supported by regulatory focus on responsible forest management, allowed the market to command a price premium, leading to sustained value growth despite modest changes in physical consumption volumes.

Production wood charcoal in the United States

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

From 2017 to 2020, the United States ranked 16th globally in wood charcoal production volume.

Top producers of wood charcoal, 2017-2020

World map of production of wood charcoal, 2017-2020

In 2020, the United States produced 852.0 K t of wood charcoal, showing broad stability year-over-year. The largest decline occurred in 2018 at 0.0%, while the largest increase was also recorded in 2018 at 0.0%.

Annual dynamics of production in the United States in kind, 2017-2020, K t

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

In 2020, wood charcoal output in the United States was valued at 768.9 M $ US, representing a 22.5% increase year-over-year. Over the 2017-2020 period, production grew by 19.3%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.1%. The minimum value was recorded in 2019 at 627.6 M $ US, which saw the largest decline of 5.3%.

Annual dynamics of production in the United States in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Exports wood charcoal from the United States

Exports in kind, K t

After two years of growth, wood charcoal exports from the United States declined in 2020, with shipments totaling 22.9 K t, marking a moderate 4.7% decrease compared to 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, exports increased by 34.4%, equating to an annualized rate of 10.4%. The maximum volume was recorded in 2019 at 24.0 K t, which also saw the largest increase of 20.5%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Canada (63.7% of exports in kind), Mexico (5.8%), and South Korea (5.7%) formed the key group of partners for wood charcoal exports from the United States, jointly accounting for 75.3% of total flows.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

Wood charcoal exports from the United States increased for the third consecutive year in 2020, totaling 20.6 M $ US, a robust 16.8% rise year-over-year. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports grew by 60.4%, with a CAGR of 17.0%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from the United States in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

From 2017 to 2020, Canada (64.5% of exports in value terms), South Korea (5.9%), and Mexico (4.6%) continued to be the main buyers of wood charcoal from the United States, jointly forming 75.0% of total exports in value terms.

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

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

Imports wood charcoal to the United States

Imports in kind, K t

In 2020, wood charcoal imports into the United States stood at 158.9 K t, marking a significant 41.8% increase compared to the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, imports grew by 41.6%, equating to an annualized rate of 12.3%. The minimum volume was recorded in 2019 at 112.0 K t, which also saw the largest decline of 2.5%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the import structure in kind was dominated by Mexico, which absorbed 73.0% of total flows, alongside a large number of minor partners.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

Wood charcoal imports into the United States increased for the third consecutive year in 2020, amounting to 101.2 M $ US, a steep 41.5% rise from 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, imports grew by 50.8%, equating to an annualized rate of 14.7%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to the United States in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

From 2017 to 2020, Mexico (54.8% of imports in value terms), the Netherlands (12.1%), and Indonesia (7.6%) were the largest suppliers of wood charcoal to the United States, together forming 74.5% of total imports in value terms.

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

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