Introduction – India’s Wood Pellets Market by the Numbers
India’s wood pellet industry is heating up—literally and figuratively. With global demand for renewable energy sources surging, India is positioning itself as a key player in the biomass sector. Although the country currently holds just 0.5% of the global wood pellets market, the momentum is unmistakable.
In 2024, the Indian wood pellet market was valued between USD 373.28 million and USD 457.6 million, depending on the source. By 2033, projections estimate it will reach over USD 722 million, growing at a CAGR of 5.2% to 11.8%. That’s not just growth—that’s an energy revolution in the making.
Why does this matter for businesses? Because making smart supplier decisions today could mean capturing a lion’s share of tomorrow’s booming market. Data-driven sourcing is no longer optional—it’s essential.
India’s Wood Pellet Industry Faces Growth and Challenges
Despite its promising outlook, the Indian wood pellet market isn’t without its battles. Government mandates are pushing thermal power plants to cofire with 5% biomass starting 2024-25, and 7% by 2025-26. But industry adoption is lagging. As of May 2023, only 165,000 tonnes of biomass were cofired—far from what’s needed.
At the same time, India has become the world’s largest importer of biomass pellets, with 450 shipments arriving between October 2023 and September 2024—a staggering 650% year-on-year increase. The bulk of these imports come from China, Indonesia, and the Netherlands.
On the flip side, local production capacity is slowly ramping up. With over 2 million tonnes of daily production capacity reported in 2022-23, the foundation is being laid, even if the structure isn’t fully built yet.
Deep Dive – Key Production, Export Statistics & Demand Insights
While hard data on 2024 export volumes is limited, we know that India’s biomass sector is primarily focused on domestic consumption. Still, export potential is growing, and platforms like Freshdi are beginning to reveal demand signals through rising RFQ (Request for Quotation) volumes.
Buyers are increasingly using Freshdi to:
- Verify supplier credentials
- Analyze price trends
- Track seasonal demand
- Compare export volumes
- Monitor certification standards
These RFQ trends offer a real-time pulse on the market—what buyers want, when they want it, and at what price.
Top 10 Verified Wood Pellets Suppliers in India – Leading Exporters by Volume
Curious about who’s leading the charge in India’s wood pellet exports? We’ve compiled a list of top-performing suppliers in Q3 2025, based on their export volumes, certifications, buyer feedback, and presence on Freshdi.
1. S.D ASSOCIATES & TRADERS
- Based in: Maharashtra
- Specialties: Hardwood and softwood pellets
- Certifications: ISO 9001, FSC
- Buyer Feedback: 4.8/5 (Freshdi verified)
- Export Markets: UAE, Germany, Malaysia
Dynamic Ranking Note: Rankings may shift quarterly as Freshdi updates its “Supplier of the Month” and “Top Exporter” leaderboards based on real-time trade activities.
Market Navigation – Statistical Trends, Price Insights & Export Dynamics
Let’s break it down: What’s driving the pricing and demand for wood pellets in India?
Demand Trends by Variant
- Hardwood Pellets: Preferred by industrial buyers for high BTU output.
- Softwood Pellets: Popular in residential settings and smaller boilers.
- Agricultural Waste Pellets: Gaining traction due to lower costs and government subsidies.
Seasonal Price Fluctuations
- Q3 & Q4 (Monsoon + Winter): Prices tend to rise due to increased fuel needs.
- Q1 & Q2 (Summer): Demand softens, and prices stabilize.
Historical insights from Freshdi show that bulk RFQs peak in September and December, aligned with industrial heating season and policy deadlines.
Export Dynamics
- Logistics Bottlenecks: Port congestion during monsoon season can delay shipments.
- Currency Fluctuations: INR volatility affects final export pricing.
- Compliance Costs: Certifications like FSC and ENplus add to operational expenses but open doors to EU and North American markets.
Conclusion – Leveraging Data for Strategic Sourcing
India’s wood pellet market is no longer just a bystander in the global biomass ecosystem—it’s quickly becoming a contender. With a rapidly growing domestic market, rising import volumes, and a policy-driven push for biomass usage, the time to act is now.
If you’re a buyer, here’s your quick checklist for sourcing smart:
✔️ Choose suppliers with verified certifications (ISO, FSC, ENplus).
✔️ Analyze seasonal price trends and plan purchases accordingly.
✔️ Track supplier performance via platforms like Freshdi.
✔️ Prioritize suppliers with transparent export histories and positive reviews.
✔️ Align purchases with government policy windows for maximum ROI.
How Freshdi Empowers Buyers
Freshdi isn’t just a supplier directory—it’s your data companion, offering:
- Real-time RFQ insights
- Supplier verification tools
- Historical trade data
- “Supplier of the Month” features
- Export trend reports by product and region
Whether you’re a seasoned importer or a first-time buyer, Freshdi helps you make sourcing decisions that are not just smart—but strategic.
Key Takeaways
- India’s wood pellet market is expected to grow to USD 722.2 million by 2033.
- The country is the largest importer of biomass pellets globally—a sign of robust demand.
- Government mandates are pushing for increased biomass usage in energy generation.
- Verified suppliers like S.D ASSOCIATES & TRADERS are leading the pack in Q3 2025.
- Platforms like Freshdi are revolutionizing B2B sourcing through data-driven tools and verified supplier databases.
FAQs
1. Why is India importing so many wood pellets if it has a growing domestic market?
While India’s production capacity is expanding, it still falls short of meeting the government’s cofiring mandates. Imports fill the gap temporarily until domestic production catches up.
2. How do I verify a wood pellet supplier in India?
Use platforms like Freshdi to check certifications, shipping history, buyer reviews, and current RFQs. It’s one of the best ways to ensure you’re dealing with a reputable exporter.
3. What are the most commonly exported types of wood pellets from India?
Hardwood and softwood pellets are the most common, though agricultural waste pellets are gaining traction among eco-conscious buyers.
4. Are Indian wood pellets certified for international markets?
Top suppliers often hold certifications like ISO 9001, FSC, and ENplus, making them compliant with EU and North American import requirements.
5. Which months are best for buying wood pellets from India?
The best time to buy is during Q2 (April–June) when demand is lower and prices are more stable. Avoid peak periods unless absolutely necessary.
References
- IMARC Group – India Wood Pellet Market
- Cognitive Market Research – Wood Pellet Market Report
- Grand View Research – India Wood Pellets Market Outlook
- Bioenergy International – India Biomass Cofiring Mandates
- India Export Import Data Countrywise – Biomass Pellet Imports
- Reuters – Indian Iron Ore Pellet Market
- Reuters – Indian Steelmakers Export Tariff Request
