Wood fuel market in Kuwait

Earlier Report Observations

The wood fuel market in Kuwait experienced a significant contraction between 2018 and 2022, with its total volume declining from 105 thousand m³ to 71 thousand m³. This 32% reduction was primarily driven by a steep fall in imports, which dropped from 86 thousand m³ to 50 thousand m³ over the same period. Domestic production, in contrast, showed steady but modest annual growth, increasing from 20 thousand m³ to 21 thousand m³.

A notable reversal occurred in 2023, as the market volume rebounded by 21% to reach 87 thousand m³. This recovery was supported by a resurgence in imports, which climbed to 65 thousand m³, alongside continued growth in local production to 22 thousand m³. The export volume remained minimal throughout the period, having a negligible impact on overall market size.

Over the full 2018-2023 timeframe, the Kuwaiti wood fuel market showed a net decline in total consumption, characterized by volatile import flows that were the main determinant of market volume. The period ended with a clear recovery trend in 2023, bringing the market closer to its earlier levels.

Production wood fuel in Kuwait

In kind, 2017-2020, m³

Top producers of wood fuel, 2017-2020

World map of production of wood fuel, 2017-2020

Wood fuel production in Kuwait has increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, Kuwait produced 20 883 m³ of wood fuel, marking a modest year-on-year gain of 1.1%. From 2017 to 2020, production rose by 3.2%, which translates to an annualized growth rate of 1.1%.

Annual dynamics of production in Kuwait in kind, 2017-2020, m³

Exports wood fuel from Kuwait

Exports in kind, m³

The market showed an unstable trend over the period. Export volumes reached their lowest point in 2020 and peaked in 2017, with a 6.2-fold difference between these years. In 2020, Kuwait's wood fuel exports totaled 611 m³, reflecting a sharp decline of 68.7% compared to the previous year. The largest decrease occurred in 2018 at 71.6%, while the most significant increase was in 2019 at 80.1%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Iraq, Saudi Arabia, and Jordan were the leading destinations for Kuwait's wood fuel exports in kind. Iraq accounted for 47.6% of exports, Saudi Arabia for 30.7%, and Jordan for 8.7%, together making up 86.9% of total export flows.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

The market exhibited an unstable trend throughout the timeframe. Exports hit a low in 2020 and a high in 2017, varying by 2.4 times between these years. In 2020, Kuwait exported wood fuel worth 230 K $ US, representing a 56.0% decrease from the prior year. The largest increase was recorded in 2019 at 101.9%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Iraq, Saudi Arabia, and Jordan were the main buyers of wood fuel from Kuwait in value terms. Iraq contributed 36.5% of exports, Saudi Arabia 34.5%, and Jordan 12.8%, collectively comprising 83.8% of total export value.

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

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

Imports wood fuel to Kuwait

Imports in kind, m³

Wood fuel imports into Kuwait declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, imports were recorded at 64 920 m³, showing a solid reduction of 11.3% compared to the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, imports decreased by 7.9%, equating to an annualized decline of 2.7%. The highest import volume was in 2018 at 86 034 m³. The largest decline occurred in 2019 at 14.9%, while the most significant increase was in 2018 at 22.1%.

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

During 2017–2020, Vietnam, Nigeria, and Indonesia dominated Kuwait's wood fuel imports in kind. Vietnam accounted for 26.1% of imports, Nigeria for 23.3%, and Indonesia for 18.1%, together representing 67.5% of total import flows.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

Imported wood fuel volumes in Kuwait declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, import volume reached 20 091 K $ US, indicating a robust year-on-year decline of 10.2%. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports decreased by 13.7%, with a compound annual growth rate of -4.8%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Vietnam, Indonesia, and Nigeria were the key markets for Kuwait's wood fuel imports in value terms, together accounting for 60.4% of total import flows.

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

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