Wood fuel market in Brunei Darussalam

Earlier Report Observations

Between 2018 and 2023, the wood fuel market in Brunei Darussalam showed variable volumes, moving from 13 629 cubic meters in 2018 to 13 851 cubic meters in 2023. Domestic production edged down gradually from 11 643 cubic meters to 11 631 cubic meters, while import swings played a decisive role in overall market size each year.

The market operated under a stable regulatory environment. In 2018, existing legislation defined 'converted wood' and set rules for wood product classification and use, providing a clear framework. Government policies that ensured timber supply for the industry continued to encourage private investment in wood-derived products, supporting consistent production levels. Later, in 2022, local scientific research indicated that environmental factors such as soil temperature and moisture affect wood density, which has implications for forest management and wood quality.

Annual market volume changes were largely tied to import fluctuations. Imports dropped in 2019 and 2022, leading to temporary market contractions, while increased imports in 2020, 2021, and 2023 helped lift the total volume. Throughout the period, the steady policy backdrop helped maintain domestic production stability despite the varying import levels.

Production wood fuel in Brunei Darussalam

In kind, 2017-2020, m³

Top producers of wood fuel, 2017-2020

World map of production of wood fuel, 2017-2020

In Brunei Darussalam, wood fuel production remained virtually unchanged in 2020, with 11,641 m³ produced. This figure was consistent with the previous year's output. Notably, the largest decline and increase both occurred in 2018, each at 0.0%.

Annual dynamics of production in Brunei Darussalam in kind, 2017-2020, m³

Exports wood fuel from Brunei Darussalam

Exports in kind, m³

Cross-border shipments of wood fuel from Brunei Darussalam declined for the second consecutive year. In 2019, exports amounted to 1 m³, marking a significant decrease of 96.2% compared to the previous year. Between 2017 and 2019, exports fell by 99.6%, which translates to an annualized decline of 84.0%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Brunei Darussalam in kind, 2017-2020, m³

From 2017 to 2020, Singapore and Japan played the leading roles in Brunei Darussalam's wood fuel exports in kind, together accounting for 88.9% of total flows. The remaining share was distributed among other destinations.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

Exported wood fuel volumes from Brunei Darussalam declined for the second consecutive year. In 2019, export volume reached 12.1 thousand US dollars, reflecting a strong decrease of 19.4% compared to the previous year. Between 2017 and 2019, exports decreased by 91%, equating to an annualized rate of 55.2%.

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

In value terms, Brunei Darussalam's exports from 2017 to 2020 were strongly concentrated on Singapore and Japan, which together took 80.9% of total flows. Other partners formed a residual portion of the trade.

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

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

Imports wood fuel to Brunei Darussalam

Imports in kind, m³

In 2020, wood fuel imports to Brunei Darussalam reached 1,983 m³, reflecting a strong uptick of 24.7% compared with 2019. Over the period 2017-2020, imports increased by 12.8%, with a compound annual growth rate of 4.1%. The minimum value was recorded in 2019 at 1,590 m³, while the maximum was in 2018 at 2,022 m³. The largest decline occurred in 2019 at 21.4%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Brunei Darussalam in kind, 2017-2020, m³

From 2017 to 2020, Malaysia, the Netherlands, and Singapore were the main sources for wood fuel imports to Brunei Darussalam in kind. Malaysia accounted for 31.1% of imports, the Netherlands for 28.7%, and Singapore for 24.7%, together making up 84.5% of total imports.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

The market exhibited an unstable trend throughout the timeframe. Wood fuel imports in value terms reached their lowest point in 2017 and peaked in 2020, with a fluctuation of two times. In 2020, Brunei Darussalam imported 600.2 thousand US dollars worth of wood fuel, which is 21.8% higher than the previous year. The largest decline was recorded in 2019 at 11.7%, while the largest increase occurred in 2018 at 82.4%.

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

In value terms from 2017 to 2020, Singapore, the Netherlands, and Malaysia were the principal destinations for Brunei Darussalam's imports. Singapore accounted for 43.1% of imports, the Netherlands for 25.0%, and Malaysia for 13.3%, jointly accounting for 81.4% of total flows.

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

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