Wood fuel market in the United States

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2023, the U.S. wood fuel market displayed considerable volatility in both volume and value. Market volume in kind fell from 56 460 тыс. м³ in 2018 to a low of 45 584 тыс. м³ in 2020, partially recovered to 55 200 тыс. м³ in 2021, then declined again to 42 995 тыс. м³ by 2023. In monetary terms, the market value followed a different trajectory, rising from $4 173 million in 2018 to a peak of $5 123 million in 2022, before easing to $4 424 million in 2023, indicating shifts in unit prices and product mix over the period.

In 2024, the market landscape was shaped by strategic moves from major industry players and evolving demand drivers. Enviva Inc. announced an expansion of its production facilities, while Drax Group signed a multi-year deal with Pathway Energy LLC to supply over 1 million tons of biomass pellets annually for sustainable aviation fuel production. These developments point to ongoing industry investment and diversification into new application segments like biofuel production.

Underlying demand for wood fuel in the United States has been supported by several persistent factors. Rising electricity and natural gas prices have enhanced the cost-competitiveness of wood biomass for heating. Consumer preferences for energy independence, environmental sustainability, and reliable heat during power outages, coupled with the widespread availability of natural forests, have sustained the residential segment. Technological advancements in biomass combustion and gasification have also expanded the fuel's applications in commercial and industrial settings.

Production wood fuel in the United States

In kind, 2017-2020, K m³

From 2017 to 2020, the United States ranked sixth globally in wood fuel production volume.

Top producers of wood fuel, 2017-2020

World map of production of wood fuel, 2017-2020

Wood fuel production in the United States declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, production reached 60 500 K m³, marking a 15.3% decrease compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production fell by 6%, which translates to an annualized decline of 2.0%. The peak production was recorded in 2018 at 71 609 K m³, with the largest annual increase of 11.2% also occurring that year.

Annual dynamics of production in the United States in kind, 2017-2020, K m³

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Following a two-year rise, wood fuel production value in the United States declined. In 2020, the output was valued at 4 650 M $ US, representing a 15.7% drop from the prior year. From 2017 to 2020, however, production value increased by 10.9%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.5%. The highest value was recorded in 2019 at 5 517 M $ US, while the largest annual increase of 22.5% occurred in 2018.

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

Exports wood fuel from the United States

Exports in kind, K m³

In 2020, wood fuel exports from the United States amounted to 15 948 K m³, showing a slight increase of 0.8% compared to the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, exports grew by 9.6%, equating to an annualized rate of 3.1%. The peak export volume was recorded in 2018 at 16 073 K m³, with the largest annual increase of 10.4% also in 2018. The largest decline occurred in 2019, with a decrease of 1.5%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from the United States in kind, 2017-2020, K m³

From 2017 to 2020, the United Kingdom, Canada, and Japan were the main destinations for U.S. wood fuel exports in kind. The United Kingdom accounted for 48.9% of exports, Canada for 17.1%, and Japan for 13.0%, together making up 78.9% of total exports.

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 fuel exports from the United States increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, exports totaled 1 226 M $ US, showing minimal change from the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, exports rose by 29.3%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.9%.

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

Throughout 2017 to 2020, the United Kingdom, Canada, and Japan played leading roles in the value of U.S. wood fuel exports. The United Kingdom accounted for 59.4% of export value, Canada for 11.1%, and Japan for 9.9%, collectively representing 80.4% of total export flows.

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 fuel to the United States

Imports in kind, K m³

Wood fuel imports into the United States increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, imports reached 1 033 K m³, up by 5.5% compared to the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, imports grew by 4%, with an annualized rate of 1.3%. The lowest import volume was recorded in 2018 at 924 K m³, which also saw the largest annual decline of 6.9%. The largest increase occurred in 2019, with a rise of 5.9%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to the United States in kind, 2017-2020, K m³

From 2017 to 2020, the geographical pattern of wood fuel imports in kind was dominated by Canada, which held a 71.9% share of total flows. Other partners accounted for relatively minor shares.

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 fuel import value in the United States increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, imports totaled 1 226 M $ US, showing a strong advance of 15.5% year-over-year. Between 2017 and 2020, import value surged by 45.1%, equating to an annualized growth rate of 13.2%.

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

Over the period from 2017 to 2020, Canada, Mexico, and the Netherlands consistently led in the value of U.S. wood fuel imports. Canada accounted for 48.6% of import value, Mexico for 21.8%, and the Netherlands for 4.6%, together making up 75.0% of total import flows.

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