HS Code:
Wood briquettes (HS Code: 4401.31) are a category of biomass fuel made from compressed sawdust, wood shavings, or other wood residues. They are widely used as an eco-friendly alternative to traditional fossil fuels for heating and energy generation. Wood briquettes are popular in both residential and industrial applications due to their high energy density, low moisture content, and sustainable production methods. This category falls under the broader Harmonized System (HS) classification of wood and articles of wood, specifically under fuel wood and wood in chips or particles.
Total Trade Volume
USD 1.2 billion
Data from 2022
Source
United Nations Comtrade Database
USD 250 million
20.8% of total trade of total trade
Increasing
USD 180 million
15.0% of total trade of total trade
Increasing
USD 150 million
12.5% of total trade of total trade
Stable
USD 120 million
10.0% of total trade of total trade
Stable
USD 100 million
8.3% of total trade of total trade
Increasing
Average Rate
5.2% ad valorem
Highest Rate
12% (applied by certain developing countries)
Lowest Rate
0% (under EU free trade agreements and WTO bindings for some countries)
Rising demand for renewable energy sources
Increased global demand for wood briquettes as a sustainable alternative to coal and oil, particularly in Europe, has driven trade volume growth by 8% annually since 2018.
2022
Technological advancements in production
Improved briquetting technology has reduced production costs and enhanced energy efficiency, making wood briquettes more competitive and boosting exports from Eastern Europe.
2021
Policy support for green energy
Government subsidies and carbon taxes in the EU and North America have encouraged adoption of biomass fuels, resulting in a 10% increase in imports to these regions.
2020
The European Union updated its sustainability criteria for biomass fuels, mandating stricter certification for wood briquettes to ensure carbon neutrality and sustainable sourcing.
June 2023
This may increase compliance costs for exporters but also enhances market trust and demand in the EU, which accounts for over 50% of global imports.
The ongoing conflict has disrupted wood briquette exports from Ukraine, a major supplier, leading to supply shortages in Europe and price increases of up to 15%.
March 2022
European countries are diversifying suppliers, with increased imports from Poland and the Baltic states to fill the gap.
The Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) has reduced tariffs on wood briquettes exported from Canada to the EU, boosting trade flows.
September 2021
Canadian exports of wood briquettes to Europe have increased by 12%, creating new opportunities for North American producers.