U.S. wood pellet exports fell in March: Chinese importers need to pay attention to supply chain fluctuations

The export volume of wood pellets from the United States in March 2025 plummeted by 167,100 tons year-on-year to 782,000 tons. Japan, as the largest buyer in Asia, imported 116,000 tons. The export unit price rose by 141,000 tons year-on-year to $211/ton. Chinese biomass companies need to be vigilant about the risk of cost transmission.
A vibrant collection of cargo containers stacked at a bustling shipping port.

U.S. wood pellet exports fell 16.71% year-on-year in March

According to the May 6th issue of Biomass MagazineUSDAAccording to the Foreign Agricultural Service, U.S. wood pellet exports in March 2025 will be781,576.4 tonnes, down 1.9% from the previous month, compared with the same period in 2024938,622.3 tonnesA significant reduction of 16.7%.

Major export markets

The top three export destinations for the month were:

  • United Kingdom: 483,095.8 metric tons (61.81 tonnes)
  • Japan: 115,759.8 metric tons (14.81 TP3 tonnes)
  • Netherlands: 84,527 metric tons (10.81 t3t)

Price trend analysis

Total exports in March$165.18 millionIn the first quarter, the total exports were 2.4 million metric tons, with a total value of US$471.06 million, an increase of 11.7% from the previous month, but still a decrease of 5.2% from the same period last year.Volume increased by 0.8% and price increased by 4.7%.

LumberFlow Expert Interpretation

Impact on the Chinese market:Although China is not among the top three exporting countries, the Japanese market115,759.8 tonnesPurchases show continued demand in Asia. It is worth noting that the export unit price in MarchUSD 211/MT, compared with the same period in 2024USD 185/MTThe increase of 14% may be transmitted to the raw material procurement costs of Chinese biomass energy companies.

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