Introduction – Philippines’s Charcoal Market in Statistical Focus
Let’s talk charcoal—and not just what’s burning on your grill. We’re diving deep into the powerhouse that is the Philippines, a country that’s quickly becoming a global force in charcoal exports. Whether it’s wood charcoal or the increasingly popular coconut shell charcoal, the numbers don’t lie: the Philippines is rising through the ranks.
In fact, in 2024, the country was already the fourth-largest exporter of wood charcoal in the world. And the momentum hasn’t slowed. With the world leaning toward eco-friendly and sustainable energy alternatives, demand for Philippine charcoal is heating up like never before.
But here’s the deal—if you’re thinking about sourcing charcoal from the Philippines, don’t just go by gut feeling. Let’s use hard data and supplier performance insights to make smarter sourcing decisions. Platforms like Freshdi are helping businesses do just that, with verified supplier listings, RFQ trend tracking, and real-time export intelligence.
Deep Dive – Key Production, Export Statistics & Current Demand Data
The Philippine charcoal industry has seen remarkable growth in both production and exports, and the numbers back that up.
Wood Charcoal Boom
In 2024, the Philippines exported a whopping 159,659 metric tons of wood charcoal. That brought in around $84.3 million in revenue. This puts the country in the No. 4 spot globally—right behind Indonesia, Laos, and Vietnam. Not bad, right?
Coconut Shell Charcoal Making a Comeback
Between January and July 2025, exports of coconut shell charcoal hit 35,262 metric tons, with revenues climbing to $68.5 million. That’s a solid recovery from the previous year’s dip and even outperformed both 2023 and 2024.
Who’s Buying?
Let’s break it down by destination:
- China is the top buyer, snagging:
- 109,197 metric tons of wood charcoal in 2023 (worth $54.4 million)
- 83.5% of coconut shell charcoal exports in April 2025
- Japan isn’t far behind, picking up:
- 17,455 metric tons of wood charcoal in 2023 (worth $15.5 million)
- 11.7% of coconut shell charcoal exports in April 2025
- South Korea took in 6,090 metric tons of wood charcoal worth $3.5 million
Domestic Demand Still Strong
Even within the country, charcoal plays a big role. About 55% of rural households rely on charcoal for cooking—translating to an annual domestic consumption of 450,000 metric tons.
Trends From the Freshdi Platform
According to data from Freshdi, RFQs (Requests for Quotations) for both wood and coconut shell charcoal have seen an uptick, especially from Japan, China, and the Middle East. This mirrors the export data and confirms that buyer interest is growing steadily.
Top 3 Verified Charcoal Suppliers in Philippines – Leading Exporters by Volume
Choosing the right supplier isn’t just about price—it’s about consistency, quality, certifications, and verified performance. Based on export data, customer reviews, and performance insights from Freshdi, these are the Top 3 Charcoal Suppliers in the Philippines for Q4 2025:
1. Activa Enterprise Ventures Inc.
Activa Enterprise Ventures Inc. is a leading exporter of both wood and coconut shell charcoal. Known for its sustainable sourcing practices and high-volume capacity, this supplier has consistently ranked at the top on Freshdi’s RFQ charts.
- Specializes in: Coconut Shell Charcoal, Lump Wood Charcoal
- Key Markets: China, Japan, UAE
- Certifications: SGS, ISO 9001 Certified
- Freshdi Insights: Top-rated in Q3 and Q4 RFQ activity
2. J&J Agri Products
J&J Agri Products has carved out a strong reputation for eco-charcoal made from biomass waste. A favorite among environmentally conscious buyers, they offer premium-grade coconut shell charcoal that meets international specifications.
- Specializes in: Eco-friendly Coconut Charcoal Briquettes
- Key Markets: Japan, South Korea, Germany
- Certifications: USDA Organic, Halal Certification
- Freshdi Insights: Ranked “Supplier of the Month” in August 2025
3. Aldo Company
Aldo Company shines in volume and reliability. They are known for large-scale exports and a diverse product range, including lump charcoal, briquettes, and activated carbon derivatives.
- Specializes in: Lump Charcoal, Activated Carbon
- Key Markets: Saudi Arabia, China, Australia
- Certifications: ISO, GMP Certified
- Freshdi Insights: Consistently high in buyer retention metrics
🔔 Dynamic Ranking Note: Rankings on platforms like Freshdi are dynamic and can shift based on real-time data such as RFQ volume, buyer ratings, and fulfillment reliability. Look out for “Suppliers of the Month” or “Quarterly Top Exporters” to stay updated on the best-performing partners.
Market Navigation – Statistical Trends, Value Dynamics & Export Dynamics
What Charcoal Types Are Buyers Looking For?
Demand patterns are evolving fast. Here’s what’s trending:
- Coconut Shell Charcoal Briquettes: Big in Japan and Korea for BBQ and industrial heating.
- Wood Lump Charcoal: Still dominant in China and the Middle East due to its high heat output.
- Activated Charcoal: Gaining traction for water filtration and cosmetics.
Freshdi’s RFQ analytics show a 15% increase in demand for eco-charcoal across Q2 and Q3 2025, especially from European buyers.
Seasonal Pricing Trends
Historically, prices spike during:
- Q2-Q3: BBQ season in Western countries drives up demand.
- Holiday Season (Q4): Increased indoor cooking and heating needs fuel demand in colder regions.
Using historical price data from Freshdi, buyers can time their purchases for optimal cost savings—typically buying in Q1 when prices dip.
Export Dynamics
The Philippines benefits from shorter shipping times to Asian markets and cost-effective logistics compared to African or Latin American suppliers. Export-ready ports in Manila, Cebu, and Davao streamline operations for bulk exports.
Conclusion – Leveraging Data for Strategic Sourcing
The Philippines is not just a charcoal supplier—it’s a charcoal powerhouse. With robust production volumes, growing global demand, and a shift toward sustainable practices, the country is poised for long-term dominance in the market.
But sourcing the right supplier? That’s where data comes in. Let the numbers guide you. Whether it’s export volumes, buyer reviews, or certification status, every detail counts.
And platforms like Freshdi make it easier than ever. With access to verified supplier profiles, market trends, RFQ activity, and dynamic rankings, businesses can make informed, confident sourcing decisions.
📋 Strategic Sourcing Checklist
Before you choose a supplier, make sure they check these boxes:
- ✅ Verified certifications (ISO, SGS, Organic)
- ✅ Export history and volumes
- ✅ Freshdi RFQ activity and buyer feedback
- ✅ Product variety (briquettes, lump, activated)
- ✅ Logistics capability and lead times
- ✅ Compliance with environmental regulations
🔮 Future Outlook – What’s Next for Philippine Charcoal?
Looking ahead, we can expect:
- More eco-charcoal innovation using agricultural waste
- Tighter regulations pushing suppliers toward cleaner production
- Increased demand from Europe and the Middle East
- Technology integration for traceability and quality assurance
As the world leans into cleaner energy solutions, the Philippines is well-positioned to be a leading supplier of sustainable charcoal products. With the support of platforms like Freshdi, both buyers and suppliers benefit from transparent, data-backed trade.
References
- wits.worldbank.org – Wood Charcoal Exports
- coconutcommunity.org – Coconut Charcoal Market Review
- ucap.org.ph – Coconut Shell Export News
- kenresearch.com – Philippine Charcoal Market
- Freshdi – B2B Supplier Intelligence Platform
❓FAQs
1. What type of charcoal is most exported by the Philippines?
The Philippines mainly exports wood charcoal and coconut shell charcoal, with coconut shell charcoal gaining popularity due to its sustainability.
2. Which countries are the biggest importers of Philippine charcoal?
China, Japan, and South Korea are the top importers, with China accounting for over 80% of coconut shell charcoal exports in early 2025.
3. How can I verify a charcoal supplier’s credibility?
Use platforms like Freshdi to check certifications, past export volumes, buyer reviews, and RFQ activity for verified suppliers.
4. Are there eco-friendly charcoal options from the Philippines?
Yes! Many suppliers now offer eco-charcoal made from coconut shells and agricultural biomass waste, aligning with global sustainability standards.
5. When is the best time to source charcoal at lower prices?
Q1 is typically the best time to buy, as demand dips after the holiday and peak BBQ seasons, leading to more competitive pricing.
Make smarter sourcing decisions—let the data lead the way.
