Wood pellets market in France

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2021, the French wood pellet market grew steadily, with production rising from 1 450 thousand tons to 1 857 thousand tons and market volume expanding from 1 544 thousand tons to 2 394 thousand tons. This initial expansion was driven by the fuel's ecological appeal as a compacted wood waste product and its high heating efficiency, which made it a popular choice for consumers seeking sustainable heating solutions.

A supply crisis in 2022, caused by a shortage of sawdust and wood chips due to slowed industrial activity, led to a doubling of pellet prices and depleted stocks. Despite this, market volume increased to 2 737 thousand tons as imports surged to meet demand. In response, production rose to 2 250 thousand tons in 2023, supported by government incentives like MaPrimeRénov that encouraged households to adopt pellet heating systems. The industry also began integrating agricultural residues, such as corn cobs, to complement traditional wood sawdust and mitigate raw material constraints.

By 2024, the market stabilized with increased national production ensuring sufficient supply. The startup of a new pellet manufacturing plant, authorized in late 2023 and aiming for 85 000 tons per year, helped secure raw material access and maintained prices around €6-7 per bag. Continued public subsidies for energy renovation sustained strong demand, reinforcing the pellet's role in France's renewable heating sector alongside ongoing technological innovations in pellet quality and heating systems.

Production wood pellets in France

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

From 2017 to 2020, France consistently ranked 8th globally in wood pellets production.

Top producers of wood pellets, 2017-2020

World map of production of wood pellets, 2017-2020

France's wood pellets production grew for the third year in a row. In 2020, the country produced 1 700 K t of wood pellets, marking a 6.3% increase from the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production rose by 25.9%, which translates to an annualized growth rate of 8.0%.

Annual dynamics of production in France in kind, 2017-2020, K t

Exports wood pellets from France

Exports in kind, K t

Wood pellets exports from France fell for the second consecutive year. In 2020, exports totaled 84.1 K t, a 31.9% decrease compared to 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, exports dropped by 55.9%, with a compound annual growth rate of -23.9%. The highest export volume was recorded in 2018 at 295.9 K t. The largest decline occurred in 2019, with a 58.2% drop, while the biggest increase was in 2018, at 55.2%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Italy remained the primary destination for wood pellets exports from France, accounting for 72.3% of total exports in volume. Other markets played a much smaller role during this period.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

France's wood pellets exports in value terms declined for the second year in a row. In 2020, exports amounted to 25.2 M $ US, reflecting a 21.3% reduction from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports decreased by 43.7%, with a compound annual growth rate of -17.4%. The peak value was reached in 2018 at 53.3 M $ US. The largest decline was in 2019, with a 39.9% drop, while the biggest increase was in 2018, at 19.2%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Italy continued to be the dominant partner for France's wood pellets exports in value terms, holding a 70.9% share of total flows. Other markets contributed only a small fraction.

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

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

Imports wood pellets to France

Imports in kind, K t

After two years of growth, wood pellets imports into France declined. In 2020, imports stood at 415.5 K t, down 1.5% from the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, imports increased by 57.5%, equating to an annualized rate of 16.3%. The highest import volume was recorded in 2019 at 421.8 K t. The largest increase occurred in 2018, with a 47.9% rise.

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

Throughout 2017 to 2020, the three largest sources for wood pellets imports into France were Belgium, Germany, and Spain, together accounting for 70.3% of total import volumes.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

Following two years of growth, wood pellets imports into France in value terms declined. In 2020, imports totaled 104.6 M $ US, a 1.5% decrease from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports rose by 85.6%, with a compound annual growth rate of 22.9%. The peak value was in 2019 at 106.1 M $ US. The largest increase was recorded in 2019, with a 48.8% jump.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Belgium, Germany, and Spain were the main sources for wood pellets imports into France in value terms, with shares of 41.9%, 23.4%, and 6.5%, respectively. Together, they accounted for 71.9% of total import flows.

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

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