Japan is the largest importer of wood pellets in the world, sourcing supplies mainly from Southeast Asia and North America. In 2025, Japan’s wood pellet imports rose 35% year-on-year to a record 8.64 million tons, according to Lesprom Analytics.
The total import value increased 33% to $1.68 billion. The average import price fell 2% to $194 per ton, compared to $198 per ton in 2024. Bild: Japan’s wood pellet imports increased steadily over 13 years, rising from 72 thousand tons in 2012 to a record 8.64 million tons in 2025, according to Lesprom Analytics.
Vietnam supplied 66% of Japan’s total import volume, rising 71% from 3.31 million tons in 2024 to 5.68 million tons in 2025. The import value from Vietnam grew 74% to $1.06 billion. The average price of Vietnamese pellets reached $186 per ton, up 2%.
Canada accounted for 15% of imports, or 1.29 million tons, a rise of 11% compared with 2024. The value of imports from Canada increased 10% to $280 million, with an average price of $217 per ton, down 1%.
Shipments from the United States dropped 40% to 677 thousand tons, reducing its share from 18% to 8%. The import value from the U.S. decreased 37% to $160 million. Despite lower volumes, the average price of U.S. pellets rose 5% to $236 per ton.
Malaysia supplied 472 thousand tons, up 17%, valued at $87 million with an average price of $183 per ton. Indonesia delivered 405 thousand tons, an increase of 29%, worth $72 million at an average price of $177 per ton.
China entered Japan’s pellet market with 69 thousand tons, marking a significant increase from negligible volumes in 2024. The import value from China reached $13 million, with an average price of $192 per ton.
Cambodia exported 1.22 thousand tons at an average price of $273 per ton, while Russia and New Zealand supplied minimal volumes, less than 0.1 thousand tons each. Russian shipments dropped 97% to only 53 tons.
Japan’s wood pellet imports have risen steadily from 72 thousand tons in 2012 to 8.64 million tons in 2025, showing more than a hundredfold increase over 13 years.
Lesprom Analytics provides verified trade data and market intelligence for the global forest products industry. The platform covers production, exports, imports, and prices across countries. Subscribers access detailed statistics, charts and tables to support investment and market decisions.
