U.S. Fuelwood Market (2025 - 2030) Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Source Type (Natural Forests, Plantation Forests, Agroforestry), By End-use (Residential Heating & Cooking, Industrial heating), And Segment Forecasts

U.S. Fuelwood Market Summary

The U.S fuelwood market size was estimated at USD 3.62 billion in 2024 and is projected to reach USD 4.50 billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 3.7% from 2025 to 2030. Fuelwood remains a popular choice in rural households for residential heating and cooking due to its cost-effectiveness and accessibility.

Rising demand for renewable and carbon-neutral energy sources is driving demand for greater use of wood for heating. Agroforestry is rising, as more farmers are integrating trees into their farmland to supply wood and maintain agricultural productivity.

The growing demand for fuelwood is rising due to increasing environmental concerns owing to increasing popularity of firewood as a renewable heating source. With increasing popularity of recreational activities such as camping and bonfires leading to greater consumption of firewood, generating steady demand. 

Fuelwood is a popular choice of energy generation due to its recreational uses and serves as a cost-effective alternative to traditional heating. This is especially true in rural and off-grid areas where access to electricity or natural gas can be limited or costly. The affordability of firewood and its availability from local sources make it an appealing option for homeowners looking to reduce their heating expenses while adopting sustainable practice. 

Regulations have a high impact on the U.S. fuelwood market. The Environment Protection Agency enforces air quality regulations, including strict emission standards for wood burning appliances. This influences the market by gradually eliminating older, high-emission stoves and promoting new, cleaner and more efficient models. Sustainable harvesting practices are gaining popularity, especially among environmentally conscious producers. Use of digital platforms for ordering fuelwood is also emerging.

Source Type Insights

The natural forests segment dominated the market and accounted for the largest revenue share, 51.5%, in 2024. As consumers seek renewable and locally sourced energy options, fuelwood from natural forests is considered a preferred choice. Its carbon-neutral profile and perception as a traditional and reliable heating source contribute to its popularity. This trend aligns with broader environmental responsibility and energy independence movements, especially in rural and off-grid areas. The use of locally harvested wood further supports regional economies and reduces reliance on imported fossil-based fuels.

The plantation forests segment is expected to grow at the fastest CAGR of 4.2% over the forecast period. These forests are characterized by shorter harvest cycles and provide a reliable and consistent supply of high-quality wood. Intensive management practices such as soil preparation, weed control, and fertilization promote rapid growth and yield high biomass. Adoption of shorter rotation cycles- where trees are harvested at a relatively young age supports rapid generation and ensures a steady supply of fuelwood to meet rising demand. As a result, plantation forests are becoming an increasingly vital component of the US renewable energy landscape.

End Use Insights

The residential heating & cooking segment dominated the U.S fuelwood market and accounted for the largest revenue share in 2024. Increasing electricity and gas prices have led many households to choose fuelwood as a cost-effective and accessible energy alternative. Many consumers are motivated by the desire for energy independence, environmental sustainability, and reliability of wood-based heating during power outages or extreme weather conditions. Social factors such as cultural preference for wood-fire cooking using traditional cooking options and reliance of poor people on fuelwood due to lack of access to clean energy have sustained demand.

The power generation segment is expected to grow at a significant CAGR of 4.5% over the forecast period. Many of the population is seeking renewable and low-carbon-emitting alternatives to fossil fuels. Using wood pellets and forestry residues for electricity generation has emerged as a popular and sustainable energy solution.

Key U.S. Fuelwood Company Insights

Some of the key companies in industry include Weyerhaeuser Company, RAYONIER Inc., and others.

• Westervelt Renewable Energy (part of The Westervelt Company) is explicitly involved in wood fuel pellets for heating and power generation. They are listed as a company in the wood fuel pellets market.

• F&W Forestry Services offers services related to "Wood to Energy," including project scoping, planning and supervision of harvesting for wood fuel, marketing of timber and biomass products, and woodchip and log production.

Recent Developments

• In November 2024, Weyerhaeuser announced plans to invest approximately USD 500 million to construct a new TimberStrand facility near Monticello and Warren, Arkansas. This state-of-the-art plant aims to expand the company's engineered wood products capacity in the U.S., with construction expected to begin in 2025 and operations commencing in 2027.

U.S. Fuelwood Market Report Scope

U.S. Fuelwood Market Report Segmentation

This report forecasts revenue growth at global, regional, and country levels and provides an analysis of the latest industry trends in each of the sub-segments from 2018 to 2030. For this study, Grand View Research has segmented the U.S. fuelwood market report based on source type, and end use:

• Source Type Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)

  • Natural Forests

  • Plantation Forests

  • Agroforestry

  • Others

• End Use Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)

  • Residential Heating & Cooking

  • Industrial Heating

  • Power Generation

  • Others