Top 5 Wood Charcoal Importing Countries in 2024: Market Share & Demand Insights

Introduction

Wood charcoal continues to play a key role in both traditional cooking and modern industries. For businesses looking to export, knowing who the biggest buyers are, what share they hold, and why demand is strong helps identify the best opportunities.

In 2024, five countries stood out as the largest wood charcoal importers worldwide, according to official trade data from the International Trade Centre (ITC) Trade Map, HS Code 4402. Let’s take a closer look at their market share, top suppliers, and the reasons behind their high demand.

1. China – The Global Leader in Charcoal Imports

  • Import value 2024: $193.9M
  • Market share: 11.07% of global imports ($1,751.9M)
  • Main exporters: Philippines, Myanmar, Laos, Vietnam, Bangladesh

Why so much demand?

  • Industrial use: Charcoal is used in metallurgy, steelmaking, and chemical production.
  • Growing BBQ culture: Grilling is becoming more popular in both restaurants and households.
  • Import dependency: Domestic supply cannot fully meet demand, so imports are essential.

2. Saudi Arabia – Hospitality & Food Culture on the Rise

  • Import value 2024: $124.6M
  • Market share: 7.11% of global imports ($1,751.9M)
  • Main exporters: Indonesia, China, Vietnam, Malaysia, Egypt

Why so much demand?

  • Hospitality boom: Hotels, resorts, and catering services consume large amounts of charcoal.
  • Food culture: Barbecue is deeply rooted in Saudi dining traditions.
  • Preference for premium quality: Consistency in burning time and heat makes imported charcoal attractive.

3. Japan – Tradition Meets Quality

  • Import value 2024: $121.7M
  • Market share: 6.95% of global imports ($1,751.9M)
  • Main exporters: China, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Philippines

Why so much demand?

  • Culinary tradition: Japanese cuisine values high-quality charcoal like Binchotan and Ogatan for grilling.
  • Steady restaurant use: From yakitori shops to fine dining, charcoal remains essential.
  • Import reliance: Domestic production cannot meet volume requirements.

4. South Korea – BBQ Culture at the Core

  • Import value 2024: $118.6M
  • Market share: 6.77% of global imports ($1,751.9M)
  • Main exporters: Laos, Vietnam, Indonesia, China, Nigeria

Why so much demand?

  • BBQ culture: Korean BBQ is both a domestic favorite and a global food trend.
  • High standards: Restaurants look for charcoal with long burning time and low smoke.
  • Regional trade: Strong ties with ASEAN suppliers ensure stable imports.

5. United States of America – Outdoor Lifestyle Market

  • Import value 2024: $116.3M
  • Market share: 6.64% of global imports ($1,751.9M)
  • Main exporters: Mexico, Paraguay, Indonesia, South Africa, Netherlands

Why so much demand?

  • Outdoor lifestyle: Charcoal is popular for backyard barbecues, camping, and leisure activities.
  • Retail demand: Supermarkets and DIY stores stock large volumes.
  • Supply diversity: Importing from multiple sources helps balance price and supply security.

Global Overview

According to ITC Trade Map (HS Code 4402), the total global wood charcoal import value reached $1,751.9 million in 2024.

The Top 5 importers — China, Saudi Arabia, Japan, South Korea, and the United States — accounted for $675M combined, representing ~38.5% of the global market.

This shows that while the market is broad, these five countries dominate demand and offer strong opportunities for exporters.

Key Takeaways for Exporters

  • China & Saudi Arabia → Focus on volume markets with strong industrial and hospitality demand.
  • Japan & South Korea → Supply premium, high-quality charcoal that fits BBQ and culinary traditions.
  • USA → Target retail chains and outdoor cooking markets with versatile charcoal products.

For businesses working with Vinachaki, these insights can help shape export strategies and strengthen positioning in high-demand markets.

✅ SEO Optimizations Used

  • Keywords: top wood charcoal importers 2024, charcoal market share, global charcoal demand, Vinachaki charcoal exports.
  • Easy-to-read subheadings (H2/H3) for better indexing.
  • Suggested meta description: Discover the top 5 wood charcoal importing countries in 2024, their market shares, top suppliers, and demand insights. A complete guide for exporters and Vinachaki partners.