Do you know that the need for alternative energy source has put CHARCOAL in the forefront in the global market. A large market exist in EU , USA and ASIA with prices ranging from $170 to $300 per ton ( FOB Nigerian Port ), depending on mode of packaging.

The charcoal industry is a multi-billion dollar industry and a money spinner for interested investors. The United Kingdom alone consumes more than 60,000 metric tons of charcoal annually, out of which about 70% comes from tropical Africa . Other countries around the world equally consume charcoal in great quantity.

Charcoal is mainly produced from tropical hard wood, although there are other sources like coconut shell. The process of production is called PYROLYSIS. This means burning of wood under high temperature in the absence of air.

This product is virtually available all over Nigeria as many local communities have perfected the technology of charcoal production. Some known charcoal deports are found in places like Oyo, Isheyin, Saki,Igbo-Ora, Ogbomoso- all in the western part of the country. We also have depots in Jebba, Omu Aran, Egbe, Kabba in the Central States. Charcoal is found in abundance also in Minna, Jos and Kaduna . Besides, an individual can produce his own charcoal wherever he/she is located.

Charcoal has a seasonal market, but the season differs from one country to another. For instances in Belgium, UK, Holland, France, Germany and Denmark, the Sales season is from May through August because that is their summer time.

The Europeans give out their orders from September to May of the following year.

In countries like Kuwait , Israel and other Asian countries, it is all-year round and order is placed from January through December.

However, there are some big time importers in Europe who also order all year round. Companies like Big K Charcoal Limited and Diamond Fuel etc, in the United Kingdom order all year round.

There are certain standard requirements to be met in charcoal exports; parameters like fix carbon, Ash content, volatile matter, moisture content need to meet buyers specification. Some of the buyers use their local agents to inspect here when loading. Others sometimes request for presentation of sample of the product before shipment.

Packaging of charcoal is usually done to the specification of the buyer. Some want bulk packaging, in which case, the charcoal is tipped into open high cube containers while others prefer packaging into finished packs like 3kg, 5kg, 10kg and 15kg. Shipping is done through a reputable forwarding company and Terms of Trade can either be by letter of credit or Cash Against Document. The latter is however easier and less costly than the former.For more info on how to export wood charcoal click on exportbiz:

Have you ever exported?