Top 5 Wood Charcoal Exporting Countries in 2024: Market Share & Global Insights

Introduction

Global demand for wood charcoal continues to grow, driven by cultural traditions, industrial applications, and the popularity of barbecue worldwide. For exporters, knowing which countries lead the supply side is essential to understanding competition, pricing, and trade flows.

According to the International Trade Centre (ITC) Trade Map, HS Code 4402, here are the Top 5 wood charcoal exporters in 2024, their global market shares, and the reasons behind their strong export performance.

1. Indonesia – The Global Powerhouse of Charcoal Exports

  • Export value 2024: $351.4M
  • Market share: 22.96% of global exports ($1,530.6M)
  • Top importers: Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Malaysia, Lebanon, Türkiye

Why such high exports?

  • Abundant raw material: Huge supplies of tropical hardwood and coconut shells.
  • Large-scale production: Industrialized processing plants meet consistent global demand.
  • Strategic location: Close trade ties with Middle East and Asian buyers.

2. Lao People’s Democratic Republic – Rising Regional Supplier

  • Export value 2024: $102.2M
  • Market share: 6.68% of global exports ($1,530.6M)
  • Top importers: Republic of Korea, Vietnam, Japan, China, Thailand

Why strong exports?

  • Natural forests: Rich wood resources fuel production.
  • Regional trade: Strong exports to neighboring Asian countries.
  • Growing role: Laos is increasingly seen as a competitive supplier in Asia.

3. Vietnam – A Key Player in High-Quality Charcoal

  • Export value 2024: $92.0M
  • Market share: 6.01% of global exports ($1,530.6M)
  • Top importers: Republic of Korea, Saudi Arabia, China, Japan, UAE

Why strong exports?

  • Diversified products: Wide range — from high-density hardwood lump charcoal to sawdust briquettes — meeting varied buyer requirements.
  • Quality advantage: Consistent burning quality appeals to Asian and Middle Eastern markets.
  • Sustainability focus: Increasing use of by-products like sawdust and eco-friendly processes.

4. Philippines – A Competitive Exporter in Asia

  • Export value 2024: $84.3M
  • Market share: 5.51% of global exports ($1,530.6M)
  • Top importers: China, Japan, Republic of Korea, Hong Kong, Türkiye

Why strong exports?

  • Coconut shell charcoal: A widely available raw material.
  • Cost advantage: Competitive production costs.
  • Consistent demand: Asian markets rely heavily on Philippine exports for restaurant and industrial use.

5. China – Balancing Imports and Exports

  • Export value 2024: $80.4M
  • Market share: 5.25% of global exports ($1,530.6M)
  • Top importers: Japan, Saudi Arabia, Republic of Korea, South Africa, UAE

Why strong exports?

  • Dual role: China is both the largest importer and a top exporter of charcoal.
  • High production capacity: Domestic industries process large volumes for both local use and export.
  • Diverse markets: Exports reach Asia, the Middle East, and Africa.

Global Overview

According to ITC Trade Map (HS Code 4402), total global wood charcoal exports in 2024 reached $1.53 billion.

The Top 5 exporters — Indonesia, Laos, Vietnam, the Philippines, and China — accounted for $710M combined, representing ~46.4% of global exports.

This shows a competitive landscape where a few countries dominate supply, but opportunities remain for emerging suppliers.

Key Takeaways for Importers and Exporters

  • Indonesia → Dominates global supply with volume and diversity.
  • Laos & Vietnam → Strong in Asia, focusing on consistent and sustainable production.
  • Philippines → Reliable supplier of coconut shell charcoal.
  • China → A unique player, both importing and exporting at large scale.

For buyers and distributors, understanding where supply originates is crucial for building reliable, cost-effective sourcing strategies.