Global wood pellet production 2021, by region

Europe produced roughly 25 million metric tons of wood pellets in 2021, accounting for the largest share of wood pellet production that year. Pellet fuels are comprised of compressed organic matter or biomass material such as industrial waste, food waste, and energy crops. Wood pellets are the most common type of pellet fuel and are generally made from compacted sawdust.

Wood pellet production

Global wood pellet production has been increasing annually since the turn of the century. In the year 2000, global production totaled 1.7 million metric tons, and by 2018 had surpassed 50 million metric tons. Europe is a leading market for wood pellet production and accounts for a large share of wood pellet consumption.

Wood pellet trade

Global wood pellet exports amounted to more than 28 million metric tons in 2020, whilst imports totaled 25.5 million metric tons. The United Kingdom is a major wood pellet importing country, and in 2020 imported over nine million metric tons worth.