Wood charcoal market in Western Europe

Earlier Report Observations

The wood charcoal market in Western Europe grew from 419.9 thousand tons in 2018 to 451.1 thousand tons in 2019. In 2020, market volume dropped sharply to 341.4 thousand tons, largely due to the COVID-19 pandemic which disrupted demand patterns.

After a further slight decline to 323.9 thousand tons in 2021, the market contracted to 263.2 thousand tons in 2022. A recovery began in 2023, with volume reaching 319.9 thousand tons, driven by increased barbecue-related consumption and capacity expansions such as Blackwood Charcoal's 15% production increase.

By 2024, market dynamics were shaped by a shift toward sustainable charcoal briquettes, reduced heating subsidies in France, and continued consumer preference for certified products. Technological improvements in production and packaging also emerged, while geopolitical tensions and energy prices influenced charcoal availability and costs.

Production wood charcoal in Western Europe

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 Western Europe increased in 2020, following two consecutive years of decline. That year, production reached 59 175 tonnes, marking a modest 4.4% increase compared to 2019. However, looking at the broader period from 2017 to 2020, production actually decreased by 24.4%, with an average annual decline of 8.9%. The lowest production level was recorded in 2019 at 56 693 tonnes, while the sharpest year-on-year drop occurred in 2018, when production fell by 25.3%.

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

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

The value of wood charcoal production in Western Europe rose for the second year in a row in 2020. Output was valued at 289.8 million US dollars, representing a strong 17.1% increase over the previous year. Over the four-year period from 2017 to 2020, production value grew by 4.9%, with an average annual growth rate of 1.6%. The lowest value was recorded in 2018 at 215.8 million US dollars, which also saw the largest decline of 21.9% that year.

Annual dynamics of production in Western Europe in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Exports wood charcoal from Western Europe

Exports in kind, K t

Wood charcoal exports from Western Europe declined for the second consecutive year in 2020. Export volumes totaled 92.4 thousand tonnes, down 6.0% from 2019. From 2017 to 2020, exports decreased by 26.4%, with an average annual decline of 9.7%. The peak export volume was recorded in 2018 at 128.3 thousand tonnes. The most significant drop occurred in 2019, when exports fell by 23.3%, while the largest increase was in 2018, with a 2.2% rise.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, the country structure of wood charcoal exports from Western Europe remained highly diversified. The top three destinations—Poland (5.7% of export volume), Switzerland (5.1%), and Italy (2.8%)—together accounted for just 13.7% of total exports. The remaining 86.3% was distributed among a long tail of smaller markets.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

In 2020, the value of wood charcoal exports from Western Europe reached 105.6 million US dollars, up 19.2% year-on-year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, export value increased by 28.1%, with an average annual growth rate of 8.6%. The largest decline occurred in 2019, when export value fell by 4.8%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, wood charcoal from Western Europe was exported to a wide range of markets. Even the largest destinations—the United States, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom—together represented only 14.8% of total export value, highlighting the diversity of the export structure.

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

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

Imports wood charcoal to Western Europe

Imports in kind, K t

Wood charcoal imports into Western Europe declined in 2020, ending a two-year period of growth. Import volumes totaled 374.6 thousand tonnes, down 24.0% from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports decreased by 21.4%, with an average annual decline of 7.7%. The highest import volume was recorded in 2019 at 492.8 thousand tonnes. The largest increase occurred in 2018, with a 2.7% rise, while the most significant drop was in 2020.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, wood charcoal imports into Western Europe came from a broad set of suppliers. The top three sources—Poland (24.5% of import volume), Ukraine (12.5%), and Nigeria (6.2%)—together accounted for 43.3% of total imports. The remaining 56.7% was sourced from many smaller destinations.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

In 2020, wood charcoal imports into Western Europe were valued at 280.9 million US dollars, showing a measured uptick of 3.5% year-on-year. Between 2017 and 2020, import value increased by 8.4%, equating to an average annual growth rate of 2.7%. The peak value was recorded in 2018 at 293.1 million US dollars. The largest decline occurred in 2019, with a 7.4% drop, while the largest increase was in 2018, with a 13.1% rise.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Poland (26.5% of import value), Ukraine (11.6%), and Indonesia (7.2%) were the largest suppliers of wood charcoal to Western Europe. However, their combined contribution was limited to 45.3% of total import value, reflecting a diversified country structure with many other suppliers involved.

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

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